US11064818B2 - Quick-load merchandising pusher systems and methods for dividing, pushing and/or dispensing one or more retail products - Google Patents

Abstract

Quick-load retail merchandising product pusher systems and methods dispense retail products, wherein the systems and methods have a fixed portion having a front end, a rear end located opposite with respect to the front end of the fixed portion, a top side and a bottom side located opposite with respect to the top side of the fixed portion. Further, the systems and methods have a movable track movably connected to the top side of the fixed portion, wherein the movable track has a front end, a rear end located opposite with respect to the front end of the movable track, a top side and a bottom side located opposite with respect to the top side of the movable track. Still further, the systems and methods have a pusher paddle configured to move one or more retail product forward away from the rear side of the movable track and front retainer teeth connecting the fixed portion and the movable track, wherein the front retainer teeth are provided on the top side and at the front end of the fixed portion and extend outwardly with respect to the top side of the fixed portion. The movable track is movable to a closed position or to an extended position, wherein, when the movable track is moved to the extended position, forward movement of the pusher paddle is restricted by the front retainer teeth.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a continuation patent application of U.S. Ser. No. 15/350,898, filed 14 Nov. 2016, which in turn was a divisional patent application of U.S. Ser. No. 14/249,536, filed on 10 Apr. 2014, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 9,521,913; this application claims the full priority benefit of said prior applications as well as the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/811,332, filed Apr. 12, 2013, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference into this application.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to hanging merchandising product divider and pusher systems, quick-load merchandising pusher systems, and methods for dividing, pushing and dispensing one or more retail products. The present merchandising systems and methods may be utilized in a retail environment to secure, store, display and/or dispense the one or more retail products.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Pegboard hooks are a common display and/or organizational merchandising tool utilized in retail environments. The pegboard hooks are utilized to organize one or more retail products that are light weight, oddly shaped and/or small in size. These retail products are otherwise difficult to neatly merchandise on traditional shelves. The hooks suspend the retail products from cut-outs in the packaging of the retail products, and limit their (i.e., the hooks) uses to specially designed packages. There are many other disadvantages and limitations to merchandising with the pegboard hooks. For example, one disadvantage with respect to pegboard hooks is their adjustability. Typically, pegboard hole spacing is about one inch between centres and a typical hook requires two holes for mounting. As a result, the minimum distance between hook centres is about two inches. However, some slim retail products, such as, for example, tooth brushes have an average width of, for example, about one inch. Therefore, in some cases, there is a gap or distance of unusable space between adjacent retail products which, thus, limits the number of product facings which may be provide when utilizing pegboard hooks.

Peg hooks often make it difficult for a customer of the retail products to select a specific retail product hanging near the back of the hook, without disturbing, dislodging or removing other retail products which are positioned in-front of the specific retail product desired by the customer. This often results in one or more of the other retails products being removed from and/or unattached from the peg hooks by movements of the customer. As a result, one or more of the other retail products may fall from the peg hooks and/or be damaged by such fall. Often, a mounting point on the packaging of the fallen retail product(s) becomes damaged from such fall or in the process of, which makes it very difficult or completely impossible to re-merchandise the fallen and damaged retail product(s) on the peg hook(s).

Without continuous aisle facing and upkeep by the merchandiser or employees of the merchandiser, aisle sections merchandised with the peg hooks quickly become very disorganized and/or visually unappealing to the customer.

In the retail industry, it has long been know that appearance is key and very important in selling retail products. If a retail product is displayed in a clean and organize manner, it is easier for the customer to find and select the items the customer wishes to purchase. A retail store often spends a large amount of time and effort organizing, aligning and facing the retail products in order to maintain a clean visual presence and/or appearance. One merchandising solution that retailers have employed to cleanly display the retail products are pusher systems. The pusher system are spring loaded merchandising components, often affixed to store shelves, used to push products forward as customers removes the products at the front of the pusher system. One drawback to these pusher systems is that they require added vertical space between shelves in order to incorporate the on-shelf components as well as space needed to lift a product up and over a retaining fence. This need for extra vertical space can sometimes limit the number of shelves capable to fit into a specific store section which, in turn, reduces retail product holding power of the retailers. For store employees, loading the pusher tracks can often been time consuming and cumbersome as one hand is required to hold back the product already in the pusher system while the other hand is required to load new retail products into the pusher system.

The merchandising systems and methods set forth in the present disclosure divide, push, secure, store, display and dispense retail products in such a manner that effectively prevents the retail products from falling and being damaged while also maintaining organization of the retail products and keeping the aisle sections visually appealing to customers. Moreover, the systems and methods set forth in the present disclosure provide a quick-load pusher system which maintains the retail products in clean and organized manner and/or appearance and allows quick and easier loading of the retail products into the pusher system.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In embodiments, a quick-load merchandising product pusher system for dispensing retail products is provided. The pusher system may have a fixed portion having a front end, a rear end located opposite with respect to the front end of the fixed portion, a top side and a bottom side located opposite with respect to the top side of the fixed portion, wherein ramps are provided on the top side of the fixed portion, extend outwardly with respect to the top side of the fixed portion, and are located adjacent to the front end of the fixed portion and a movable track movably connected to the top side of the fixed portion, wherein the movable track has a front end, a rear end located opposite with respect to the front end of the movable track, a top side and a bottom side located opposite with respect to the top side of the movable track, wherein one or more track stoppers are provided on the bottom side of the movable track, extend outward with respect to the bottom side of the movable track and are located adjacent to the rear end of the pusher system. The pusher system may have a pusher paddle connected to the top side of the movable track, wherein the pusher paddle, the front end of the movable track and the top side of the movable track define a first area that is sized or configured to receive one or more retail products, wherein the pusher paddle is configured to move one or more retail product forward away from the rear side of the movable track and front retainer teeth connecting the fixed portion and the movable track, wherein the front retainer teeth are provided on the top side and at the front end of the fixed portion and extend outwardly with respect to the top side of the fixed portion. The movable track may be movable to a closed position or to an extended position, wherein, when the movable track is located in the closed position, the rear end and the one or more track stoppers of the movable track are located adjacent to the rear end of the fixed portion and, when the movable track is located in the extended portion, the rear end and the one or more track stoppers of the movable track are located adjacent to the ramps of the fixed portion and the front retainer teeth abuts a portion of the pusher paddle and restricts forward movement of the pusher paddle as the movable track is moved to the extended position.

In an embodiment, when the movable track is located in the extended position, the one or more track stoppers of the movable track may abut the ramps of the fixed portion and forward movement of the movable track is restricted via the one or more track stoppers of the movable track and the ramps of the fixed portion.

In an embodiment, when the movable track is located in the extended position, the pusher paddle, the front side of the movable track and the top side of the movable track may define a second area that is sized or configured to receive one or more retail products, wherein the second area is larger than the first area.

In an embodiment, the pusher system may have a first mount provided at the rear end of the fixed portion and configured to mount the fixed portion to retail merchandising aisle uprights.

In an embodiment, the first mount may have one or more hooks, one or more pegs, a horizontal flange or a vertical flange.

In an embodiment, the pusher system may have a front plate connected to the front end of the movable track, wherein, when one or more retail products are positioned within the pusher system, the one or more retail products are located between the front plate and the pusher paddle.

In an embodiment, the pusher system may have loading lock tabs connected to the ramps of the fixed portion, wherein the loading lock tabs extend outwardly away from the top side of the fixed portion, and loading lock ramps provided on the bottom side of the movable track and located between the one or more track stoppers and the front side of the movable track, wherein the loading locks tabs abut the loading lock ramps when the movable track is positioned in the extended position.

In an embodiment, the pusher system may have dividers connected to both right and left sides of the movable track, wherein the dividers extend outwardly away from the right and left sides of the movable track and away from the top side of the movable track.

In an embodiment, the dividers may be wire dividers or molded dividers.

In an embodiment, one or more holes may be formed through the molded dividers along a length of the molded dividers.

In an embodiment, the pusher system may have a modular baffle connected to a bottom side of the fixed portion, wherein the modular extends outwardly away from right and left sides of the fixed portion.

In an embodiment, the pusher system may have a retail product position in the first area defined between the pusher paddle and the front and top sides of the movable track.

In embodiments, a method for producing a quick-load retail merchandising product pusher system may dispense retail products. The method may movable connect a movable track to a fixed portion via front retaining teeth of the fixed portion, wherein the fixed portion has a front end, a rear end located opposite with respect to the front end of the fixed portion, a top side and a bottom side located opposite with respect to the top side of the fixed portion, wherein the movable track has a front end, a rear end located opposite with respect to the front end of the movable track, a top side and a bottom side located opposite with respect to the top side of the movable track, wherein the front retainer teeth are provided on the top side and at the front end of the fixed portion and extend outwardly with respect to the top side of the fixed portion. Further, the method may connect a pusher paddle to the top side of the movable track, wherein the pusher paddle, the front end of the movable track and the top side of the movable track define a first area that is sized or configured to receive one or more retail products, wherein the pusher paddle is configured to move one or more retail product forward away from the rear side of the movable track. The movable track may be movable to a closed position or to an extended position, wherein, when the movable track is located in the closed position, the rear end of the movable track is located adjacent to the rear end of the fixed portion and, when the movable track is located in the extended portion, the rear end of the movable track is located adjacent to the front side of the fixed portion and forward movement of the pusher paddle is restricted by the front retainer teeth of the fixed portion as the movable track moves to the extended position.

In an embodiment, the method may form ramps on the top side of the fixed portion that extend outwardly with respect to the top side of the fixed portion and are located adjacent to the front end of the fixed portion, and form one or more track stoppers on the bottom side of the movable track that extend outward with respect to the bottom side of the movable track and are located adjacent to the rear end of the pusher system, wherein, when the movable track is located in the extended position, the one or more track stoppers of the movable track abut the ramps of the fixed portion and forward movement of the movable track is restricted via the one or more track stoppers of the movable track and the ramps of the fixed portion.

In an embodiment, the method may connect at least one divider to a right or left side of the fixed portion, wherein the at least one divider extends outwardly away from the fixed portion and away from the top side of the fixed portion.

In an embodiment, the method may move the movable track to the closed position or the opened position.

In embodiments, a retail merchandising gondola section may dispense retail products. The gondola section may have retail merchandising aisle uprights and the pusher system mounted to the aisle uprights via the first mount of the pusher system.

In an embodiment, the gondola section may have a second mount connected to the retail merchandising aisle uprights for connecting the first mount of the pusher system to the retail merchandising aisle uprights, wherein the second mount comprises a retail merchandizing shelf, a retail merchandizing crossbar or a retail merchandising peg board.

In an embodiment, the gondola section may have a fastener for connecting the first mount of the pusher system to the second mount of the gondola section, wherein the fastener is a horizontal lip shelf extrusion or a vertical lip shelf extrusion.

In an embodiment, the gondola section may have at least one retail product position within pusher system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the features and advantages of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the merchandising systems and methods may be had by reference to the embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only some embodiments of the present systems and methods and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the merchandising systems and methods may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a divider and pusher system for more than one retail product in an embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a divider and pusher system in an embodiment.

FIG. 3A illustrates a first side perspective view of a first divider component in an embodiment; andFIG. 3B illustrates a second side perspective view of the first divider component shown inFIG. 3A in an embodiment.

FIG. 4A illustrates a first side perspective view of a second divider component in an embodiment; andFIG. 4B illustrates a second side perspective view of the second divider component as shown inFIG. 4A in an embodiment.

FIG. 5A illustrates a first side perspective view of a third divider component in an embodiment; andFIG. 5B illustrates a second side perspective view of the third divider component as shown inFIG. 5A in an embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a divider and pusher system in an embodiment.

FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of a first connection plate in an embodiment;FIG. 7B illustrates a perspective view of a second connection plate in an embodiment; andFIG. 7C illustrates a perspective view of a pusher paddle in an embodiment.

FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective view of a hanging mount bracket in an embodiment;FIG. 8B illustrates a perspective view of an upright mount cross bar in an embodiment; andFIG. 8C illustrates a perspective view of a clip in an embodiment.

FIG. 9 comprisesFIG. 9A illustrating a perspective view of front shelf mount track in an embodiment; andFIG. 9B illustrating a perspective view of rear shelf mount track in an embodiment.

FIG. 10A illustrates a side view of a divider and pusher system having more than one retail product in an embodiment; andFIG. 10B illustrates a side view of a divider and pusher system having more than one retail product with at least one retail product being dispensed from the system in an embodiment.

FIG. 11 illustrates a side plan view of a divider component having a clip in an embodiment.

FIG. 12 illustrates a side plan view of a divider component mounted to an upright mount cross bar in an embodiment.

FIG. 13A illustrates a side view of a divider and pusher system, having at least one retail product, mounted to a base in an embodiment; andFIG. 13B illustrates a side view of a divider and pusher system, having at least one retail product, mounted to an extended base in an embodiment.

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of divider and pusher systems mounted to uprights in an embodiment.

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of at least one divider and pusher system mountable to a peg board in an embodiment.

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of more than one divider and pusher system mountable to uprights via an upright mount crossbar in an embodiment.

FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of more than one divider and pusher system mountable to a base or shelf in an embodiment.

FIG. 18 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a quick-load pusher system in an embodiment.

FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of a quick-load pusher system having more than one retail product in an embodiment.

FIG. 20 illustrates a front perspective view of a quick-load pusher system in an embodiment.

FIG. 21 illustrates a top perspective view of a pusher track in an embodiment.

FIG. 22 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a pusher track in an embodiment.

FIG. 23 illustrates a top perspective view of a hanging gusset in an embodiment.

FIG. 24 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a hanging gusset in an embodiment.

FIG. 25A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a quick-load pusher assembly located in a first position in an embodiment; andFIG. 25B illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a quick-load pusher assembly located in a second position in an embodiment.

FIG. 26 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a front portion of a quick-load pusher assembly in an embodiment.

FIG. 27 illustrates a front cross-sectional view of a quick-load pusher assembly in an embodiment.

FIG. 28A illustrates a perspective view of a track component in an embodiment; andFIG. 28B illustrates a perspective view of a front plate in an embodiment.

FIG. 29A illustrates a perspective view of a peg mount bracket in an embodiment; andFIG. 29B illustrates a perspective view of a bar mount bracket in an embodiment.

FIG. 30A illustrates a rear perspective view of a quick-load pusher assembly in an embodiment; andFIG. 30B illustrates a rear perspective view of a quick-load pusher assembly in an embodiment.

FIG. 31 illustrates a perspective view of a quick-load pusher system having more than one quick-load pusher assemblies in an embodiment.

FIG. 32 illustrates a perspective view of a quick-load pusher system having more than one quick-load pusher assemblies in an embodiment.

FIG. 33 comprises: FIG.33A1 and FIG.33A2 which illustrate elevated and side perspective views of a first embodiment of a pusher track and hanging gusset, FIG.33B1 and FIG.33B2 which illustrate elevated and side perspective views of a second embodiment of a pusher track and hanging gusset; FIG.33C1 and FIG.33C2 which illustrate elevated and side perspective views of a third embodiment of a pusher track and hanging gusset, and FIG.33D1 and FIG.33D2 which illustrate elevated and side perspective views of a third embodiment of a pusher track and hanging gusset.

FIGS. 34A and 34B illustrate perspective views of a quick-load pusher assembly in an embodiment.

FIGS. 35A and 35B illustrate perspective views of a hanging baffle bar and a merchandising crossbar, respectively, in an embodiment.

FIGS. 36A and 36B illustrate perspective views of a top side and a bottom side, respectively, of a pusher track in an embodiment.

FIG. 37 illustrates a perspective view of a hanging gusset in an embodiment.

FIGS. 38A, 38B and-38C illustrate perspective views of different embodiments of product and/or graphic retaining components.

FIG. 39 illustrates perspective views of first and second divider assemblies in an embodiment.

FIG. 40 illustrates a perspective view of a quick-load pusher system mounted to merchandising crossbar being loaded with retail products.

FIGS. 41A-41D illustrate in various views cross-sectional view of a quick-load pusher system mounted to a retail gondola section being opened, loaded with retail products, and closed in an embodiment, namely inFIG. 41A is depicted the quick-load pusher system (without retail products) in a closed position; inFIG. 41B is depicted the quick-load pusher system being opened; inFIG. 41C is depicted the quick-load pusher system begin loaded with retail products; and, inFIG. 41D is depicted the quick-load pusher system containing retail products in a closed position.

FIG. 42 illustrates a perspective view of quick-load pusher systems mounted to uprights by way of a merchandising crossbar in an embodiment.

FIG. 43 illustrates a perspective view of a quick-load pusher system having a modular baffle in an embodiment.

FIG. 44 illustrates a perspective view of quick-load pusher systems mounted to uprights via a merchandising crossbar in an embodiment.

FIG. 45 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a quick-load pusher system with a shelf bracket assembly in an embodiment.

FIG. 46A illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a shelf bracket assembly having a lip mount, andFIG. 46B illustrates a further embodiment of a shelf bracket assembly hiving a lip mount.

FIG. 47 illustrates a perspective view of quick-load pusher systems mounted and being mounted to a retail shelf in an embodiment.

FIG. 48 illustrates a perspective view of quick-load pusher systems mounted and being mounted to a retail shelf in an embodiment.

FIG. 49 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a quick-load pusher system located in an open or extended positioned and having retail products positioned therein in an embodiment.

FIG. 50 illustrates a perspective view of quick-load pusher systems mounted to retail shelves and retail uprights.

FIG. 51A illustrates a perspective view of an adjustable depth merchandising crossbar in a closed position in an embodiment; andFIG. 51B illustrates a perspective view of an adjustable depth merchandising crossbar in an opened or extended position in an embodiment

FIG. 52 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an adjustable depth merchandising crossbar in an embodiment.

FIG. 53A illustrates a side plan view of an adjustable depth merchandising crossbar in a first configuration established during a process of adjusting and setting a depth of the adjustable depth merchandising crossbar in an embodiment;FIG. 53B illustrates a side plan view of the adjustable depth merchandising crossbar ofFIG. 53A in a second configuration established during a process of adjusting and setting a depth of the adjustable depth merchandising crossbar;FIG. 53C illustrates a side plan view of the adjustable depth merchandising crossbar ofFIG. 53A in a second configuration established during a process of adjusting and setting a depth of the adjustable depth merchandising crossbar;FIG. 53D illustrates a side plan view of the adjustable depth merchandising crossbar ofFIG. 53A in a second configuration established during a process of adjusting and setting a depth of the adjustable depth merchandising crossbar;FIG. 53E illustrates a side plan view of the adjustable depth merchandising crossbar ofFIG. 53A in a second configuration established during a process of adjusting and setting a depth of the adjustable depth merchandising crossbar;FIG. 53F illustrates a side plan view of the adjustable depth merchandising crossbar ofFIG. 53A in a second configuration established during a process of adjusting and setting a depth of the adjustable depth merchandising crossbar.

FIG. 54A illustrates a first perspective view of an adjustable depth merchandising crossbar having a removable width adjustment assembly and a fixed main assembly in an embodiment; and,FIG. 54B illustrates a second perspective view of the adjustable depth merchandising crossbar having a removable width adjustment assembly and a fixed main assembly ofFIG. 54A.

FIG. 55 illustrates perspective view of an adjustable depth merchandising crossbar mounted to a retail gondola section in an embodiment.

FIG. 56A illustrates a first side plan view of an adjustable depth merchandising crossbar in a position established during a moving or sliding in a process for aligning the adjustable depth merchandising crossbar with adjacent shelf in an embodiment;FIG. 56B illustrates a second side plan view of the adjustable depth merchandising crossbar ofFIG. 56A in a position established during a moving or sliding in a process for aligning the adjustable depth merchandising crossbar with adjacent shelf and,FIG. 56C illustrates a third side plan view of an adjustable depth merchandising crossbar ofFIG. 56A in a position established during a moving or sliding in a process for aligning the adjustable depth merchandising crossbar with adjacent shelf.

FIGS. 57A and 57B respectively illustrate a perspective view of an adjustable depth merchandising crossbar in closed and opened positions, in an embodiment.

FIG. 58 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an adjustable depth merchandising crossbar in an embodiment.

FIG. 59 illustrates a perspective view of a movable adjustment assembly separated from a fixed main assembly in an embodiment.

FIG. 60A illustrates a side plan view of an adjustable depth merchandising crossbar in a position established during a moving or sliding a process from a closed position to an open position in an embodiment;FIG. 60B illustrates a further side plan view of an adjustable depth merchandising crossbar ofFIG. 60A in a position established during a moving or sliding a process from a closed position to an open position;FIG. 60C illustrates a further side plan view of an adjustable depth merchandising crossbar ofFIG. 60A in a position established during a moving or sliding a process from a closed position to an open position;FIG. 60D illustrates a further side plan view of an adjustable depth merchandising crossbar ofFIG. 60A in a position established during a moving or sliding a process from a closed position to an open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure sets forth product divider and pusher systems, quick-load pusher systems and methods for dividing, pushing, securing, storing, displaying and/or dispensing one or more retail products. Referring now to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to like parts, the present divider and pusher systems and methods may provide at least divider and pusher system5 (hereinafter “divider system5”) as shown inFIG. 1, configured to divide, push, secure store, display and dispense at least one or more first retail products300 (hereinafter “first products300”) and/or one or more second retail products301 (hereinafter “second products301”). Thefirst products300 and/or the second products301 (collectively known hereinafter as “first andsecond products300,301”) may comprise or include, for example, consumer products, food products, hard goods, durable goods, soft goods, consumables, consumer-grade goods, professional-grade goods and/or the like. In an embodiment, the first andsecond products300,301 may be at least one or more over-the-counter retail products (hereinafter “OTC products”). The OTC products may be analgesics, medications, pharmaceuticals, razors, razor blades, camera film, batteries, videos, DVDs, smoking cessation products, infant formula, vitamins, personal care products, home care products, toothbrushes, foodstuffs, packaged foods, kitchen supplies, bags, boxes, containers and/or the like. In an embodiment, thefirst products300 may be, for example, one or more single tooth brush packages, and thesecond products301 may be, for example, one or more double tooth brush packages. Moreover, the first andsecond products300,301 that may be utilized with the present systems and methods may be any retail products known to one of ordinary skill in the art that are configured, adapted and/or sized to be located, stored and/or positioned within thedivider system5.

The first andsecond products300,301 may be located or stored within and/or positioned inside the divider system5 (as shown inFIGS. 1, 10A, 10B, 13A and 13B) which may be located inside, for example, a marketplace and/or a retail establishment. The marketplace and/or the retail establishment may be, for example, a chain store, a department store, a discount store, a grocery store, a hardware store, a health food store, a liquor store, a warehouse store, a variety store, a specialty store, a general store, a convenience store, a toy store, a pet store, an outlet store, a supermarket, a mall and/or the like. In embodiments, thedivider system5 may be associated with and/or incorporated into, for example, a vending machine, a portable sales device, a point of sale terminal and/or an automated retail store. The first andsecond products300,301 may be accessible singly or one at a time through a front-side of the divider system5 (as shown inFIG. 10B). In embodiments, the first andsecond products300,301 may be accessible in combination or more than one at a time through the front-side of thedivider system5. The first andsecond products300,301 which may be utilized with thedivider system5 may be a same type of retail products, different types of retail products and/or a combination of same and different types of retail products. In embodiments, the first andsecond products300,301 may have different sizes of packaging and/or different shapes of packaging. The present disclosure should not be deemed as limited to a specific embodiment of the marketplace and/or the retail establishment wherein thedivider system5 may be located, included and/or incorporated.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show thedivider system5, in an embodiment, which may have one or more centre or first divider11 (hereinafter “first divider”), at least one left or second divider10 (hereinafter “second divider10”) and at least one right or third divider12 (hereinafter “third divider12”). Thedivider system5 may also have one or more first connection plates13 (hereinafter “first connection plates13”), one or more second connection plates44 (hereinafter “second connection plates44”), one or more pusher paddles14 (hereinafter “pusher paddles14”), one or more first rear support connectors15 (hereinafter “first connectors15”), one or more second rear support connectors45 (hereinafter “second connectors45”), one or more flip ticket components42 (hereinafter “flip components42”) and/or one or more fence inserts43 (hereinafter “fence inserts43”). Theflip ticket component42 may mount to agraphic mount18 onadjacent dividers10,11,12 and may be configured to maintain or substantial maintain thedividers10,11,12 in horizontal or substantially horizontal alignment, as shown inFIGS. 3A, 4A and 5A. Thefence insert43 may be sized and/or configured to retain the first andsecond products300,301, when the first andsecond products300,301 may be larger packages, and utilized with thesecond connection plate44 and therear support connector45. Thesecond connector45 of thesecond connection plate44 may be sized and/or configured to connect, attach, secure and/or fasten an upper section or portion of thedividers10,11,12 to one another.

Thefirst divider11, thesecond divider10 and/or the third divider12 (collectively known hereinafter as “dividers10,11,12”) may be connected, attached and/or fastened to each other via one or more of thefirst connection plates13, thesecond connection plates44, the push paddles14, thefirst connectors15, thesecond connectors45, theflip components42 and/or the fence inserts43. Thedividers10,11,12, thefirst connection plates13, thesecond connection plates44, the push paddles14, thefirst connectors15, thesecond connectors45, theflip components42 and/or the fence inserts43 may be assembled to form and/or produce thedivider system5 as shown inFIG. 1. In an embodiment, one ormore divider systems5 may be connected, attached, fastened and/or mounted to at least one or more cross bars39 (as shown inFIG. 12), one or more uprights150 (as shown inFIG. 14), one or more boards151 (as shown inFIG. 15), one or more brackets34 (as shown inFIG. 16), one or morefirst tracks47, one or moresecond tracks48, one or morefirst shelves152 and/or one or more second shelves153 (as shown inFIGS. 13A, 13B and 17).

In embodiments, the upright150 may be an aisle upright commonly found in retail environments and used for mounting merchandising fixtures and retail shelving. Theboard151 may be a pegboard or slat-wall panelling commonly found in retail environments and used for mounting merchandising fixtures. In embodiments, thefirst shelf152 may be a sixteen inch shelf as a base for mounting merchandising components, and thesecond shelf153 may be a twelve inch shelf as a base for mounting merchandising components. It should be understood that the present disclosure should not be deemed as limited to a specific embodiment ofupright150, theboard151, thefirst shelf152 and/or thesecond shelf153.

In an embodiment, thefirst connectors15 and/or thesecond connectors45 may be located and/or positioned between thedividers10,11,12 at a rear-side of thedivider system5. As a result, each of thedividers10,11,12 may be connected, attached and/or fastened to each other via thefirst connectors15 and/or thesecond connectors45 to form thedivider system5. Thefirst connection plates13 and/or thesecond connection plates44 may be located and/or positioned between thedividers10,11,12 along, for example, a length of thedividers10,11,12. As a result, thedividers10,11,12 may be connected, attached and/or fastened to each other via thefirst connection plates13 and/or thesecond connection plates44. Theflip components42 and/or the fence inserts43 may be located and/or positioned between thedividers10,11,12 at the front-side of thedivider system5. As a result, thedividers10,11,12 may be connected, attached and/or fastened to each other via theflip components42 and/or the fence inserts43.

Thedivider system5 may be sized and/or configured to receive, store, house, protect, enclose and/or secure the first andsecond products300,301. Thedivider system5 may be sized and/or configured to divide, push and/or dispense the first andsecond products300,301 from the front-side of thedivider system5. As a result, a customer and/or consumer of the first andsecond products300,301 may remove at least one of the first andsecond products300,301 from thedivider system5 via the front-side of thedivider system5.

As shown inFIG. 1, thedivider system5 provides one or more pockets for receiving, storing, housing and securing the first andsecond products300,301. In an embodiment, thedivider system5 provides or forms and/or is configured to have afirst pocket200, asecond pocket201 and/or a third pocket202 (collectively known hereinafter as “pockets200,201,202”). Thepockets200,201,202 may be sized and/or configured such that each pocket has a different length, width and/or height. In an embodiment, thepockets200,201,202 may have similar, same or substantially same lengths, widths and/or heights. In an embodiment, thefirst pocket200 may be sized and/or configured to receive, store, house, enclose and/or secure thefirst products300, and thesecond pocket201 may be sized and/or configured to receive, store, house, enclose and/or secure thesecond products301. Thepockets200,201,202 may be sized and/or configured to receive, store, house, enclosure and/or secure one or more of the first andsecond products300,301. In a minimum configuration, thedivider system5 may have thesecond divider10 and thethird divider12 with thefirst connection plate13 and/or theconnection plate44, and thefirst connector15 and/or thesecond connectors45 to create, form and/or provide a single pocket divider which may be combined with and/or utilized in conjunction with one or more additional single pocket units (not shown in drawings).FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the components of thedivider system5 which may be modular and/or adjustable to form thedivider system5.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show left and right views of the centre orfirst divider11 along with features and connection points of thefirst divider11. In embodiments, thefirst divider11 may have aproduct retaining fence16, agraphic holder17, agraphic mount18, aproduct alignment rib19, a firsttrack connection mount20, a secondtrack connection mount21, atoe clip22, an upperrear mounting hanger23, a lowerrear mounting hanger24, a first rear supporttrack connection mount25, a second rear supporttrack connection mount26 and/or apaddle retainer27. In an embodiment, thefirst divider11 may be made of a plastic and/or may be moulded and/or extruded. In embodiments, the plastic may or may not be a clear plastic and/or may be polycarbonate, crystal styrene and/or polyethylene.

Theproduct retaining fence16 may be sized and/or configured to hold the first andsecond products300,301 inside of thedivider system5 and/or to prevent the first andsecond products300,301 from being pushed outward from the front-side of thedivider system5 via the pusher paddle. In an embodiment, theproduct retaining fence16 may be made from a clear plastic such that the first andsecond products300,301 may be viewed and/or visible at and/or from the front-side of thedivider system5. In an embodiment, theproduct retaining fence16 may be angled by one or more degrees, such as, for example, about 5 degrees, about 10 degrees or about 15 degrees. When theproduct retaining fence16 may be angled and used in conjunction with aproduct angler33 on the pusher paddle14 (as shown inFIG. 7C), theproduct retaining fence16 may hold the first andsecond products300,301 at an angle of one or more degrees to improve product dispensing and tracking of the first andsecond products300,301 as the first andsecond products300,301 may slide within thedivider system5 and/or may be pushed towards the front-side of thedivider system5 via the pusher paddles14. As a result, theproduct retaining fence16 may angle the first andsecond products300,301 at an angle that is the same as or substantially similar to the angle of theproduct retaining fence16. By holding the first andsecond products300,301 at an angle, the first and second products may be easily accessed and/or removed from thedivider system5 by one or more customers and/or consumers of the first andsecond products300,301.

Thegraphic holder17 may be sized and/or configured to hold, display and/or retain a ticket or card which may have, for example, indicia printed thereon. The indicia of the ticket or card may, for example, be indicative of the at least one of the first andsecond products300,301 which may be dispensed from thedivider system5. Theproduct alignment rib19 may be sized and/or configured to align a first product of the first andsecond products300,301, located adjacent to the front-side of thedivider system5, such that the first product may be parallel or substantially parallel to theproduct retaining fence16.

The firsttrack connection mount20 may be sized larger than the secondtrack connection mount21. Thefirst connection plate13 and/or thesecond connection plate44 may be connected, attached, fastened and/or mounted between the firsttrack connection mount20 and the secondtrack connection mount21. A top surface of thefirst connection plate13 and/or thesecond connection plate44 may be sized and/or configured hold, support and/or receive the first andsecond products300,301. The top surface may be sized large enough to hold support and/or receive small width products and/or medium width products.

Thetoe clip22 may be sized and/or configured for shelf connect, attaching, fastening and/or mounting thedivider system5 to, for example thefirst shelf152 or thesecond shelf153. In an embodiment, thetoe clip22 may be sized and/or configured to fit or be inserted into the frontshelf mount track47 which may be located and/or positioned on thefirst shelf152 and/or thesecond shelf153. The upperrear mounting hanger23 and/or the lowerrear mounting hanger24 may be sized and/or configured to connect, attach, fasten and/or mount thedivider system5 to, for example, the uprightmount cross bar39, theupright150, therear mount track48 and/or the hangingmount bracket34.

The first rear supporttrack connection mount25 may be sized smaller than the second rear supporttrack connection mount26. In an embodiment, the first rear supporttrack connector mount25 and/or the second rear supporttrack connection mount26 may be sized and/or configured to provide an even spacing and support for the first andsecond products300,301 when thefirst connector plate13 and/or thesecond connector plate44 may be connected to the first rear supporttrack connection mount25 and/or the second rear supporttrack connection mount26. Thepaddle retainer27 may be sized and/or configured to stop and/or prevent thepusher paddle14 from ejecting and/or moving outward with respect to the backside of thefirst connector plate13.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show left and right views of thesecond divider10 along with features and connection points of thesecond divider10. One or more of the features and/or connection points of thesecond divider10 may be same as, substantially same as or similar to the features and connection points of thefirst divider11, except thesecond divider10 may have a flat surface on a left side of thesecond divider10. The features and connection points of thesecond divider10 may provide a same or similar functionality as provided by the features and connection points of thefirst divider11. In an embodiment, thesecond divider10 may also have theproduct retaining fence16, thegraphic holder17, thegraphic mount18, theproduct alignment rib19, the firsttrack connection mount20, the secondtrack connection mount21, thetoe clip22, the upperrear mounting hanger23, the lowerrear mounting hanger24, the first rear supporttrack connection mount25, the second rear supporttrack connection mount26 and/or thepaddle retainer27. In an embodiment, thesecond divider10 may be made of a plastic and/or may be moulded and/or extruded. In embodiments, the plastic of thesecond divider10 may or may not be a clear plastic and/or may be polycarbonate, crystal styrene and/or polyethylene.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show left and right views of thethird divider12 and along with features and connection points of thethird divider12. One or more of the features and/or connection points of thethird divider12 may be same as, substantially same as or similar to the features and connection points of thefirst divider11, except thethird divider12 may have a flat surface on a right side of thethird divider12 and/or may exclude theticket plate18. The features and connection points of thethird divider12 may provide a same or similar functionality as provided by the features and connection points of thefirst divider11. In an embodiment, thethird divider12 may also have theproduct retaining fence16, thegraphic holder17, thegraphic mount18, theproduct alignment rib19, the firsttrack connection mount20, the secondtrack connection mount21, thetoe clip22, the upperrear mounting hanger23, the lowerrear mounting hanger24, the first rear supporttrack connection mount25, the second rear supporttrack connection mount26 and/or thepaddle retainer27. In an embodiment, thethird divider12 may be made of a plastic and/or may be moulded and/or extruded. In embodiments, the plastic of thethird divider12 may or may not be a clear plastic and/or may be polycarbonate, crystal styrene and/or polyethylene. It should be understood that thedividers10,11,12 may be made of the same material, different materials or a combination thereof.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of thedivider system5 and highlights the connectivity and configuration of thedivider system5 which, when assembled, may form, create and/or provide thepockets200,201,202 for receiving, storing, housing, enclosing, securing and/or dispensing the first andsecond products300,301. Thesecond divider10 and a firstfirst divider11 may be connected by a firstrear support connector15 to form, create and/or provide thefirst pocket200. A secondfirst divider11 and the firstfirst divider11 may be connected by a secondrear support connector15 to form, create and/or provide thesecond pocket201. The secondfirst divider11 and thethird divider12 may be connected by therear support connector45 to form, create and/or provide thethird pocket202. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to a specific number of pockets that may be formed, created and/or provided by thedivider system5. Any number of the dividers and any number of rear support connectors may be utilized in thedivider system5 to form, create and/or provide any number of pockets for dividing, pushing, storing, housing and/or displaying retail products as known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

In an embodiment, rubber grippers, snap points or other mechanical fastening means (not shown in the drawings) on the first and/orsecond connection plates13,44 and first and/or second rear support tracks15,45 may connect, secure, attach and/or fasten the first and/orsecond connection plates13,44 to the first and/or second track connection mounts20,21 and/or the first and/or second rear support track connection mounts25,26 on thedividers10,11,12. To change size configurations of thepockets200,201,202, thedividers10,11,12 may be pulled apart and the first and/orsecond connection plates13,44 may shifted to another mounting position (not shown in the drawings) on thedividers10,11,13 or may be replaced with differently-sized connection plates.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show the first andsecond connector plates13,44, respectively. A width of the first and/orsecond connector plates13,44 may be any size for holding, supporting and/or pushing the first and second products as known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Each of the first andsecond connector plates13,44 may havepusher rails28 which are sized and configured such that thepusher paddle14 and/or the first andsecond products300,301 may slide towards the front-side of thedivider system5 for dispensing and/or removal from thedivider system5. The first and/orsecond connector plates13,44 may havedivider connectors29 which may be connection points for connecting, attaching, fastening and/or securing the first and/orsecond connector plates13,44 to one or more of thedividers10,11,12. A pusher spring or pusher mechanism (not shown in the drawings) may be connected, attached, secured, fastened and/or mounted in a middle of the pusher rails28. The pusher spring or pusher mechanism may be configured to urge thepusher paddle14 and/or the first andsecond products300,301 towards the front-side of thedivider system5.

FIG. 7C shows thepusher paddle14 which may have anouter paddle face30, aninner paddle face31, anupper paddle section22 and/or theproduct angler33. In an embodiment, thepusher paddle14 may be sized and/or configured to be utilized with tall retail products, such as, for example, tooth brushes or other oral hygiene products. A height of thepusher paddle14 may be customizable by removing theupper paddle section32 from thepusher paddle14. In an embodiment, thepusher paddle14 may be made from a hard plastic material. The hard plastic material may be high impact styrene, another hard plastic material or a combination thereof. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to a specific embodiment of the hard plastic material of thepusher paddle14.

Theouter paddle face30 may be configured to face, contact and/or pusher the first andsecond products300,301. Theinner paddle face31 may be configured to allow first andsecond products300,301, which may be oddly-shaped products, to recess or sink into theinner paddle face31. As a result, the first andsecond products300,301 may be configured and/or aligned parallel or substantially parallel to theproduct retaining fence16 and/or the fence inserts43. In an embodiment, theupper paddle section32 may be removably attached to thepusher paddle14 or may be excluded from thepusher paddle14. As a result, thepusher paddle14 may be sized and configured to be utilized with smaller and/or shorter products. In an embodiment, theproduct angler33 may be sized and/or configured to place, hold and/or support the first andsecond products300,301 at angle of one or more degrees. For example, theproduct angler33 may hold the first and second products at an angle of about five degrees, about ten degrees, about twenty degrees and/or about thirty degrees. As a result, the first andsecond products300,301, which may or may not have irregular package shapes, may track parallel or substantially parallel to thepusher paddle14, theproduct retaining fence16 and/or the fence inserts43 while being moved and/or pushed along the first and/orsecond connection plates13,44. Moreover, theproduct angler33 may prevent or substantially prevent irregular shaped packages from becoming jammed, logged and/or stuck between adjacent packages and the walls of thedividers10,11,12.

FIG. 8A shows the hangingmount bracket34 may have alower track35 and anupper track36 which may be sized and/or configured to connect, secure, attach and/or fasten to the upperrear mounting hanger23 and the lowerrear mounting hanger24 on thedividers10,11,12. As a result, thedividers10,11,12 may be secured when mounting to theboard151, theupright150 and/or the like. Thedividers10,11,12 may be configured to slide or move horizontally or substantially horizontally along the lower and/orupper tracks35,36 to facilitate disconnection and reconnection of thedividers10,11,12 and the first and/orsecond connection plates13,44 when reconfiguring sizing and/or spacing of thepockets200,201,202. The hangingmount bracket34 may have aninner clip rail37 and acrossbar track38 which may be utilized to connect, secure, attach and/or fasten to the uprightmount cross bar39 for mounting to, for example, theupright150.

FIG. 8B shows the uprightmount cross bar39 may have awidth adjustment bracket40 and adepth selector plate41. Thewidth adjustment bracket40 may be sized and/or configured to allow the uprightmount cross bar39 to be connected, attached, fastened, secured, mounted to uprights with varying widths. Thedepth selector plate41 may be configured for setting a distance of thedividers10,11,12 from a section of, for example, the upright150 so that fronts of thedividers10,11,12 are in-line with adjacent aisle shelves and/or fixtures. As a result, the fronts of thedividers10,11,12 may be set to be in-line with an adjacent shelf, such as, for example, a twelve inch, a fourteen inch or a sixteen inch shelf.

In an embodiment, theupright cross bar39 may be made of a hard material, such as, for example, hard plastic, steel or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, theupright cross bar39 may have a centre bar, which may mount to the hangingbracket34, configured to slide forward and backward along two side rails. As a result, thedivider system5 may be pulled forward, out from underneath, for example, thefirst shelf152 above to facilitate quicker and easier loading of the first andsecond products300,301 into thepockets200,201,202 of thedivider system5. The movable and/or slidable centre bar of theupright cross bar39 allows a depth associated with the front-side of thedivider system5 to be adjustable such that the front-side of thedivider system5 may be aligned with the adjacent aisle shelves and/or fixtures. The movable and/or slidable centre bar of theupright cross bar39 is further depicted as adjustable depthmerchandising cross bar2100 as shown inFIGS. 51A, 52, 53A-53C, 54A, 54B and 55. The present disclosure should not be deemed as limited to a specific embodiment of the hard material of theupright cross bar39.

FIG. 8C shows apeg clip46 which may be configured to be used to connect, attach, secure, fasten and/or mount the hangingmount bracket34 of thedivider system5 to, for example, theboard151. In an embodiment, thepeg clip46 may be, for example, a moulded polycarbonate clip. In an embodiment, theboard151 may be, for example, a pegboard or a slatwall. The present disclosure should not be deemed as limited to a specific embodiment of thepeg clip46 and/or theboard151.

FIG. 9A illustrating a perspective view of front shelf mount track in an embodiment; andFIG. 9B illustrating a perspective view of rear shelf mount track in an embodiment. More specifically,FIGS. 9A and 9B shows the frontshelf mount track47 and therear mount track48 which may have mountingclips49 formed and/or provided thereon. Thedividing system5 may be mounted to, for example, thefirst shelf152 or thesecond shelf153 via the frontshelf mount track47, therear mount track48 and/or one or more fasteners (not shown in the drawings). The one or more fasteners may be screws, bolts, pushpins, adhesive tapes and/or the like. In an embodiment, the frontshelf mount track47 and/or therear mount track48 may be made of plastic material, such as, for example, extruded plastic material. It should be understood that the present description should not be deemed as limited to a specific embodiment of the one or more fasteners and/or the plastic material of the front and rear mount tracks47,48.

In embodiments, the frontshelf mount track47 may be sized and/or configured to connect, attach, secure, fasten and/or mount to a conventional retail shelf (not shown in the drawings) via thetoe clip22 ondividers10,11,12 such that thetoe clip22 may lock, secure and/or fasten into the frontshelf mount track47. As a result, thedividers10,11,12 may be connected, attached, secured, fastened and/or mounted to the shelf. Therear mount track48, when mounting to thefirst shelf152 or thesecond shelf153, may be mounted with a horizontal flange facing forward for thesecond shelf153 or facing backwards for thefirst shelf152. The mounting clips49 onrear mount track48 may be sized and/or configured to engage the lowerrear mounting hanger24 on thedividers10,11,12. As a result, thedividers10,11,12 may be connected, attached, mounted, fastened and/or secured to therear mount track48 via the mounting clips49.

FIG. 10A shows more than one of thefirst products300 which may be held forward against theproduct alignment ribs19 and/or thefront fence16 at, for example, more than one degree angle back, under tension and/or force delivered from thepusher paddle14, theproduct angler33 and/or the pusher spring or pusher mechanism.FIG. 10B shows a front mostfirst product300 which may be removed, upwards and/or at a forward angle, from thedivider system5. In an embodiment, the back angle, which may be about ten degrees, may facilitate forward movement or sliding of the nextfirst product300 behind the front mostfirst product300. The back angle may also facilitate the removal of the front mostfirst product300 from thedivider system5 without catching or grabbing thefirst product300 behind the front mostfirst product300. As a result, the back angle may prevent or substantially prevent additionalfirst products300 from being accidently removed from thedivider system5. Once the front mostfirst product300 may clear a top of thefront fence16, remainingfirst products300 behind the front mostfirst product300 may be moved and/or pushed forward by thepusher paddle14. Thefirst products300 may be aligned parallel or substantially parallel to thefront fence16 as the first products may move forward via theproduct alignment ribs19.

InFIG. 11, thedivider system5 may be connected, attached, secured and/or fastened to the hangingmount bracket34 and/or theclip46 for mounting thedivider system5 to, for example, theboard151. Thedivider system5 may be connected, attached, secured and/or fastened to the hangingmount bracket34 via the upperrear mounting hanger23, the lowerrear mounting hanger24, thetrack35 and/ortrack36. The hangingmount bracket34 may be connected, attached, secured and/or fastened to theclip46 via theclip attachment rail37.

InFIG. 12, thedivider system5 may be connected, attached, secured and/or fastened to the hangingmount bracket34, the uprightmount cross bar39 and/or the depth selector plate for mounting thedivider system5 to, for example, theupright150. Thedivider system5 may be connected, attached, secured and/or fastened to the hangingmount bracket34 via the upperrear mounting hanger23, the lowerrear mounting hanger24, thetrack35 and/ortrack36. The hangingmount bracket34 may be connected, attached, secured and/or fastened to the uprightmount cross bar39 and/or the depth selector plate via thetrack38.

InFIG. 13A, thedivider system5 may be connected, attached, secured, fastened and/or mounted to thesecond shelf153 via the lowerrear mounting hanger24, the frontshelf mount track47, therear mount track48 and/or mounting clips49. When mounting thedivider system5 onto thesecond shelf153, one ormore toe clips22 of thedividers10,11,12 may be inserted at a forward angle into the frontshelf mount track47. A back of thedivider system5 may be subsequently lowered onto the rearshelf mount track48 and the lowerrear mounting hanger24 may connect with and/or engage the mountingtrack49 to provide a secure fit.

InFIG. 13B, thedivider system5 may be connected attached, secured, fastened and/or mounted to thefirst shelf152 via the lowerrear mounting hanger24, therear mount track48 and/or mounting clips49. When mounting thedivider system5 onto thefirst shelf153, positioning of the rearshelf mount track48 may be flipped, moved, rotated to situate and/or align front edges of thedividers10,11,12 with a front edge of thefirst shelf152.

FIG. 14 shows multiple divider system configurations for more than onedivider system204 which may be utilized for mountingdivider systems5 to different mounting components. Thedivider system204 may have the same or similar features and/or components as thedivider system5 and the features and/or components of thedivider system204 may operate and/or function in the same or similar manner as the features and components of thedivider system5. A firstdivider system configuration250 facilities mounting of thedivider system204 to theboard151, a seconddivider system configuration251 facilitates mounting thedivider system204 to theuprights150, a thirddivider system configuration252 facilitates mounting thedivider system204 to thefirst shelf152, and a forthdivider system configuration253 facilitates mounting thedivider system204 to theuprights150 and an adjustable depth merchandising crossbar154 (hereinafter “adjustable crossbar154”). In embodiments, a typical retail gondola section400 (hereinafter “gondola section400”) may comprise theboard151, theuprights150 and/or thefirst shelf152.

Theadjustable crossbar154 is configured such that thedivider system204, mounted thereon, may slide or move inwardly or outwardly with respect to theuprights150, theboard151 and/or thegondola section400. As a result, thedivider system204 may be pushed inward or pull outward with respect to theuprights150, theboard151 and/or thegondola section400 via theadjustable crossbar154. Thedivider system204 may be pulled outward to a partially expanded depth or a fully extended depth for loading, reloading or positioning theproducts300,301 in thepockets200,201, respectively. The depth of thedivider system204 may be adjusted, via theadjustable crossbar154 such that the front-side thedivider system204, mounted on theadjustable crossbar154, aligns flush with the front-sides of theother divider system204 mounted to theuprights150, theboard151 and/or theshelf152 and/or with the front-sides of surrounding or adjacent shelving and/or displays. In embodiments, theadjustable crossbar154 may be connected, attached, secured, fastened and/or mounted todivider system204 via the upperrear mounting hanger23 and/or the lowerrear mounting hanger24,

In embodiments, thedivider system204 may have a width of, for example about twelve inches, about twenty-four inches, about forty-eight inches or about sixty inches. Thedivider system204 may have any number ofpockets200,201,202 as known to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, thedivider system204 may have nine of thepockets202 and fourteen of thepockets200. It should understood that the present disclosure should not be deemed as limited to a specific embodiment of the width of thedivider system204 and/or number ofpockets200,201,202.

Thedivider system configuration250 is also shown inFIGS. 11, 14 and 15 and may be utilized to connect, attach, secure, fasten and/or mount thedivider system204 to a slatwall (not shown in the drawings). Thedivider system configuration251 is also shown inFIGS. 12, 14 and 16. Thedivider system configuration252 is also shown inFIGS. 13, 14 and 17.

FIG. 15 shows thedivider system configuration250 having thedivider system204 which may be connected, attached, secured, fastened and/or mounted to theboard151 viaclips46 and/or hangingmount bracket34. Any width of thedivider system204 may be used when utilizingconfiguration250. Hangingmount bracket34 may be cut to the necessary and/or required width to hold the number ofdividers10,11,13 and/orpockets200,201,202 as required. This is the same advantage realized when mountingdivider system204 to theupright150, thefirst shelf152 and/or thesecond shelf153 and utilizing theconfiguration250.

FIG. 16 shows thedivider system configuration251 having thedivider system204 which may be connected, attached, secured, fastened and/or mount to theupright150 via the hangingmount bracket34 and/or the uprightmount cross bar39.FIG. 17. Shows thedivider system configuration252 having thedivider system204 which may be connected, attached, secured, fastened and/or mount to the first orsecond shelves152,153 via the frontshelf mount track47 and/or therear mount track48.

Thedivider systems5,204 may combine the versatility and flexibility of peg hooks with benefits of automatic facing and clean, high-end look of on-shelf pusher systems.

Thedivider systems5,204 may provide retailers the ability to merchandise small, lightweight or oddly shaped products while preventing or substantially preventing fallen and/or broken packages along with constant upkeep.

Thedivider system5,204 may be utilized with, for example, oral hygiene, pharmacy and beauty products, as well as other such products which may be traditionally merchandised on hooks, but may also be adapted to fit any retail product.

FIG. 18 shows an exploded perspective view of a quick-load pusher system1000 (hereinafter “pusher system1000”) in an embodiment. Thepusher system1000 may comprise one or more of apusher track1010, a hanginggusset1011, adata track component1012, afront plate1013,wire dividers1014, apusher paddle1015 and/or abar mount bracket1016. Thepusher system1000 may be sized and/or configured to store, house, secure, display, enclose and/or dispense one or more products3300 (hereinafter “products3300”). Thepusher system1000 may have one or more features and/or components that may be the same as or similar to the features and/or components of thedivider systems5,204. Moreover, the features and/or components of thepusher system1000 may operate and/or function in a same or similar manner as the features and/or components of thedivider systems5,204.

In an embodiment, theproducts3300 may be, for example, bagged products, such as, for example, bagged cheese, bagged salad, bagged deli meats and/or the like. In embodiments, theproducts3300 may by, for example, consumer products, food products, hard goods, durable goods, soft goods, consumables, consumer-grade goods, professional-grade goods and/or the like. In embodiments, theproducts3300 may be OTC products, such as, for example, analgesics, medications, pharmaceuticals, razors, razor blades, camera film, batteries, videos, DVDs, smoking cessation products, infant formula, vitamins, personal care products, home care products, toothbrushes, foodstuffs, packaged foods, kitchen supplies, bags, boxes, containers and/or the like. In an embodiment, theproducts3300 may be the same or similar retail products as the first andsecond products300,301. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not deemed as limited to a specific embodiment of the bagged products, OTC products and/or the one ormore products3300.

Thepusher track1010 may be sized and/or configured to hold, support and/or display theproduct3300 and/or may slide and/or pull out for product loading of thepusher system1010. Thepusher track1010 may be connected, attached, fastened, secured and/or mounted to the hanginggusset1011 and may move, glide and/or slide along the hanginggusset1011 when thepusher track1010 is being loaded. Thepusher track1010 may be connected, attached, secured, fastened and/or mounted to one or more of thedata track component1012, thefront plate1013, thewire dividers1014, thepusher paddle1015 and/or the bar mount bracket1016 (as shown inFIG. 19).

The hanginggusset1011 may support thepusher track1010 and may allow thepusher track1010 to slide inward and outward for product loading and displaying the first andsecond products300,301 or theproducts3300. The hanginggusset1011 may be connected, attached, secured, fastened and/or mounted to thebar mount bracket1016 to allow the hanginggusset1011 to connect, attach, hang, secure and/or fasten to a crossbar403 (as shown inFIG. 31). In an embodiment, the hanginggusset1011 may connect, attached, fasten, secure and/or mount to apeg mount1030 to allow the hanginggusset1011 to connect, attach, fasten and/or hang to the peg board400 (as shown inFIG. 32). The hanginggusset1011 may prevent, substantially prevent and/or restrict forward movement of thepusher paddle1015 via one or more pusher track stoppers1033 (as shown inFIG. 22). The hanginggusset1011 may prevent, substantially prevent and/or restrict forward movement of thepusher track1010 via one or more middle stoppers (not shown in the drawings) and/or one or more rear plates (not shown in the drawings).

Thedata track component1012 may hold, support and/or display product information indicative of one or more of theproducts3300. Thedata track component1012 may attach, connect, snap, fasten, secure and/or mount to thepusher track1010 and/or thewire dividers1014. In an embodiment, the data track component may be sized and/or configured to allow an alternate installation arrangement for thepusher track1010 via compatibility with a snap track.

Thefront plate1013 may be, for example, a customer facing front barrier for products302 and/or may restrict movement of theproducts3300 forward toward a front-side of thepusher system1000. Thefront plate1013 may connect, attach, secure and/or fasten to a front side of thepusher track1010. In an embodiment, thefront plate1013 may be transparent and/or interchangeable with additional front plates (not shown in the drawings).

Thewire dividers1014 may be, for example, an adjustable horizontal barrier for holding retail products, such as, for example, theproducts3300. Thewire dividers1014 may be connected, attached, fastened, secured and/or mounted topusher track1010 at one or more rear tube mounts1017 of the pusher track1010 (as shown inFIG. 21). As a result, thewire dividers1014 may be aligned parallel or substantially parallel to each other. Thewire dividers1014 may move, extend, retract and/or slide horizontally or substantially horizontally through the rear tube mounts1017 of thepusher track1010 which may allow for telescoping adjustability of thewire dividers1014. Thewire dividers1014 may connect, attach, secure, fasten and/or mount to thedata track component1012 via tube mounts136 of the data track component1012 (as shown inFIG. 28A). Thewire dividers1014 may move, extend, retract and/or slide horizontally or substantially horizontally through the tube mounts136 which may allow for telescoping adjustability of thewire dividers1012. In embodiments, thewire dividers1012 may be, for example, painted and/or plated wire dividers.

Thepusher paddle1015 may be sized and/or configured to provide and/or apply a pressure, a force or a constant pressure against the first andsecond products300,301 or theproducts3300 which may be contained and/or stored within thepusher system1000. As a result, the first andsecond products300,301 or theproducts3300 may be forced, pressured and/or squeezed between thepusher paddle1015 and thefront plate1013. Thepusher paddle1015 may connect, attach, secure and/or fasten to and/or snap into thepusher plate1010 and/or may move or slide lengthwise along one or more grooves in thepusher plate1010. In embodiments, thepusher paddle1015 may have the same features and components as thepusher paddle14 which may function and/or operate in the same or similar manner as the features and/or components of thepusher paddle14.

Thebar mount bracket1016 may connect, attach, secure, fasten and/or mount to a rear of the hanginggusset1011. Thebar mount bracket1016 may have one or more fasteners, such as, for example, one or more hooks which may attach, connect, secure, fasten and/or hook the bar mount bracket to thecrossbar403. As a result, thepusher system1000 may connect, attach, fasten, secure and mount to thecrossbar403 via thebar mount bracket1016.

In embodiments, one or more thepusher track1010, thedata track component1012, thefront plate1013, thepusher paddle115 and/or thebar mount bracket1016 may be made of a plastic material and/or a moulded plastic material. The plastic material and/or the moulded plastic material may be, for example, a clear plastic material or a non-clear plastic material.

FIG. 19 shows apusher system configuration5151 having thepusher system1000 in a fully assembled state. In an embodiment, thepusher system1000 may be storing, holding, securing and/or displaying one ormore products3300 which may be forced, pressured and/or squeezed between thepusher paddle1015 and thefront plate1013 via a pusher spring and/or a pusher mechanism, such as, for example, a clock-type spring (not shown). Thewire dividers1014 may be moved, retracted and/or slid together or inward with respect to each other to accommodate an approximate width of the one ormore products3300. Thebar mount bracket1016 may be utilized in thepusher system configuration5151 such that thepusher system1000 may be connected, attached, fastened, secured and/or mounted to thecrossbar403. Thepusher system1000 may have asnap track1037 which may connect, attach, secure and/or snap into asnap clip1023 on thepusher track1010.

FIG. 20 shows an elevated front perspective view of thepusher system1000. Thewire dividers1014 may be installed into the rear tube mounts1017 and/or the tube mounts1036 of thepusher track1010. Thewire dividers1014 may be configured to telescope outward and/or to retract inward to change and/or adjust a distance or width between thewire dividers1014. As a result, the distance or width between thewire dividers1014 may be changed and/or adjusted to receive one or more of theproducts3300 and/or to correspond to a width associated with the one ormore products3300.

FIG. 21 shows a top side of thepusher track1010, whereby thepusher track1010 may be sized and/or configured to move, extend, retract and/or forward and back via apusher track rail1022 when the hanginggusset1011 is not being utilized. This may be accomplished by mounting thepusher track1010 to other parts and/or components which may allow thepusher track1010 to be used on other fixtures, such as, for example, a first orsecond shelf152,153 by incorporating a similar interface to relevant features of thepusher system1000. Thepusher track1010 may have one or more rear tube mounts1117 which may be sized and/or configured to guide and/or assist thewire dividers1014 along their telescoping path. Thepusher track1010 may have one or more mainpusher paddle grooves1019 which may be sized and/or configured to allow thepusher paddle1015 to connect, attach, secure, fasten and/or mount to thepusher track1010 and to move and/or slide along a length ofpusher track1010. Thepusher track1010 may have one or morefront dovetail tabs1020 which may be sized and/or configured to create a tight frictional interface and precise registration by the connection of thefront dovetail tabs1020 with interchangeablefront plate1013. Thepusher track1010 may have one or morefront windows1021 which may be sized and/or configured such that thewire dividers1014 may pass throughpusher track1010 and/or may access the tube mounts1036 on thedata track component1012. Thepusher track1010 may have one or morepusher track rails1022 which may be sized and/or configured to allow thepusher track1010 to move, extend, retract and/or slide longitudinally on the hanginggusset1011 such that side-to-side motion and/or up-and-down motion may be controllable. Thepusher track1010 may have one ormore snap clips1023 which may connect, attach, secure, fasten and/or snap onto a snap track on thedata track component1012. Thepusher track1010 may have one or morepusher track terminus1048 which may be sized and/or configured to be a rear limit to linear motion of and/or on thepusher track1010. In an embodiment, thepush track terminus1048 may be sized and/or configured to physically interface with arear gusset wall1034 of the hanginggusset1011.

InFIG. 22, a bottom side thepusher track1010 may have one or morebottom extrusion teeth1032 which may be sized and/or configured to be utilized as a hook interface and/or hook mechanism with anend return1038 of thedata track component1012. Thepusher track1010 may have one or morepusher track stoppers1033 which may be sized and/or configured to restrict, prevent and/or limit forward movement of thepusher track1010 on the hanginggusset1011 through, for example, physical interface with agusset ramp1029 of the hanginggusset1011. Thepusher track1010 may have one or more accessory mounts1045 which may be sized and/or configured for mounting one or more peripheral accessories for alternate assemblies.

FIG. 23 shows a top perspective view of the hanginggusset1011 which may have one or morefront retainer teeth1024 which may be sized and/or configured to limit forward movement of thepusher paddle1015 and/or to allow release of force and/or pressure between thepusher paddle1015, the one ormore products3300, and thefront plate1013 during product loading and/or product rotation. For example, when thepusher track1010 may pulled outward, the one ormore teeth1024 may force thepusher paddle1015 to stay behind or may hold thepusher paddle1015 from moving forward with thepusher track1010. As a result, a gap may be created, produced and/or formed between thepusher paddle1015 and thefront plate1013 which may be utilized for product loading and/or product rotation.

The hanginggusset1011 may have one or moreupper gusset teeth1025 which may be sized and/or configured to be an upper limit for physical interface between thepusher track rail1022 of thepusher track1010 and the hanginggusset1011. The hanginggusset1011 may have one or more lower gusset surfaces126 which may be sized and/or configured to be a lower limit of the physical interface between thepusher track rail1022 of thepusher track1010 and the hanginggusset1011. In an embodiment, the lower gusset surfaces126 may be sized and/or configured to work along with and/or to cooperate with theupper gusset teeth1025 to lock thepusher track rail1022 into a sliding path for thepusher track rail1022. As a result, thepusher track rail1022 may be locked, secured and/or fastened into the sliding path via theupper gusset teeth1025 and/or the lower gusset surfaces126. The hanginggusset1011 may have one or more rear gusset hooks1028, which may be sized and/or configured to wrap around a top of thebar mount bracket1016. As a result, an assembly of thepusher track1010 and the hanging gusset may be stiffened and/or strengthened and/or made to be more rigid via the rear gusset hooks1028 and/or the top of thebar mount bracket1016. The hanginggusset1011 may have one or morerear gusset wall1034 which may be sized and/or configured to be a rearward limit to the linear motion of and/or on thepusher track1010.

FIG. 24 shows a bottom side of the hanginggusset1011 having one or more rearvertical slots1027 which may be sized and/or configured to be a female interface between the hanginggusset1011 and avertical bracket track1040 onbar mount bracket1016 and/or peg mount bracket1030 (as shown inFIGS. 29A and 29B). The hanginggusset1011 may have one or more baffle mounts1031 which may be sized and/or configured to be one or more mounting points for hardware which may hold the horizontal baffle in place, used to facilitate directional airflow within a refrigerated environment (not shown in drawings). The hanginggusset1011 may have one ormore stiffening structure1044 which may be sized and/or configured to increase stiffness of the hanginggusset1011 and/or to airflow through the assembly of thepusher track1010 and the hanginggusset1011, with or without the use of the above mentioned baffle.

FIGS. 25A and 25B show apusher system configuration5151 having thepusher system1000 in a closed position and an open position, respectively. Thepusher track1010 may have the one or morepusher track rails1022 which may be rails or lips along left and right sides of thepusher track1010. The pusher track rails may slide between theupper gusset teeth1025 and thelower gusset surface1026 on hanginggusset1011 which may control thepusher track1010 front-to-back movements and side-to-side movements.

Once thepusher system1000 may be assembled, thepusher system1000 may be configured to allow thepusher track1010 to move, extend, retract and/or slide longitudinally within and/or between a front limit and a rear limit of thepusher system1000. The front limit may be dictated, formed, created and/or produced by one ormore gusset ramps1029 of the hanginggusset1011, and the rear limit may be dictated, formed, created and/or produced by therear gusset wall1034 of the hanginggusset1011. Moreover, forward longitudinal movement of thepusher paddle1015 may be control, prevented and/or allowed via thefront retainer teeth1024 of the hanginggusset1011. Thegusset ramp1029 may be sized and/or configured to be a locking mechanism between thepusher track1010 and the hanginggusset1011 and/or to limit forward movement of thepusher track1010 on the hanginggusset1011 through, for example, physical interface with thepusher track stopper1033 of the hanginggusset1011.

One purpose of this independent component retention may be, for example, to allow thepusher paddle1015 to maintain contact pressure with the one ormore products3300 which may be within thepusher system1000 while thepusher system1000 may be in the closed position (seeFIG. 25A), and/or to release the pressure when thepusher system1000 may be in the opened position (seeFIG. 25B). As a result, a gap may be created, formed, produced and/or provided between any remainingproducts3300 within thepusher system1000 and thepusher paddle1015 so that new oradditional products3300 may be placed into thepusher system1000 behind any previous or remainingproducts3300.

FIG. 25A shows thepusher track1010 may move and/or slide to a point where thepusher track terminus1048 may make contact with therear gusset wall1034. As a result, the rearward motion of thepusher track1010 may be limited by thepusher track terminus1048 and/or therear gusset wall1034. In an embodiment, thepusher paddle1015 may make contact with thefront retainer teeth1024 and force and/or pressure applied by the pusher spring may hold thepusher paddle1015 against thefront retainer teeth1024 when, for example, there is no product302 in thepusher system1000.

FIG. 25B shows thepusher track1010 may extend to a point where thepusher track stopper1033 may be in contact with thegusset ramp1029 which may stop thepusher track1010 from sliding forward to any further point. Thepusher paddle1015 may remain pulled firmly against thefront retainer teeth1024 with the pusher spring in a further extended position than inFIG. 25A. In an embodiment, thepusher track rail1022 may remain confined between theupper gusset teeth1025 and thelower gusset surface1026 which may provide support for this increased cantilever form.

FIG. 26 shows a cross-sectional view of the assembly of thepusher track1010 and the hanginggusset1011 and any interactions, at the front-side of thepusher system1000, between thepusher track1010 and the hanginggusset1011. For example, adata track slot1047 may be located or sandwiched between two front walls ofdata track component1012. The data track slot may be sized and/or configured to hold a product information strip. In an embodiment, thepusher system1000 may have frictional interfaces between thesnap clip1023 on thepusher track1010 and asnap track1037 on thedata track component1012. Theextrusion snap track1037 may be sized and/or configured to connect, attach, secure and/or snaps into thesnap clip1023 on thepusher track1010. In an embodiment, thepusher system1000 may have contact interface between anend return1038 on thedata track component1012 and thebottom extrusion teeth1032 on thepusher track1010. Theend return1038 may be sized and/or configured to be a hook interface or hook mechanism with thebottom extrusion teeth1032.

At early stages of the assembly of thepusher system1000, thedata track component1012 may be installed onto thepusher track1010 which may be accomplished and/or achieved in a pivoting manner, where, for example, the contact interface between thepusher tracker1010 and thedata track component1012 may be created first. For example,data track component1012 may be angled below thepusher track1010, and may then be swung upward which may pivot on the contact point and/or may engage the frictional interface between thesnap clip1023 on thepusher track1010 and thesnap track1037 on thedata track component1012.

FIG. 27 shows a front cross-sectional view thepusher system1000 which shows thepusher track1010, the hanginggusset1011 and thepusher paddle1015.FIG. 27 also illustrates two front-to-back, track-like interfaces which may be provided by thepusher system1000. For example, lower legs of thepusher paddle1015 may connect, attach, secure, fasten and/or hook aroundtrack slots1019 which may prevent, restrict and/or limit up-and-down movements of thepusher paddle1015 while allowing thepusher paddle1015 to move, extend, retract and/or slide forward and backwards with respect to the front-side of thepusher system1000. In an embodiment, both left and rightpusher track rails1022 may be located or sandwiched between theupper gusset teeth1025 and thelower gusset surface1026, whereby a tolerance between these components may allow them to move freely along a central axis of thepusher system1000.

FIG. 28A shows a perspective view of thedata track component1012 having one ormore bar hook1035 which may be sized and/or configured to connect, attach, secure, fasten and/or hook over thecrossbar403 to supporting thepusher system1000. Thedata track component1012 may have one or more extruded tube mounts1036 which may be sized and/or configured to guide and/or assist thewire dividers1014 along the telescoping path of thewire dividers1014. Thedata track component1012 may have one ormore snap clip1046 which may be sized and/or configured to connect, attach, fasten, secure and/or snap onto a peripheral snap track on alternate assemblies.

FIG. 28B shows a perspective view of thefront plate1013 having one or morefemale dovetail tabs1041 which may be sized and/or configured to be a tight frictional interface and/or precise registration creatable by connection of thefemale dovetail tabs1041 and themale dovetail tabs1020 on thepusher track1010. Thefront plate1013 may have one ormore interfaces1042 which may be sized and/or configured to interface, cooperate and/or corresponding with a stiffening cavity1050 on thepusher track1010. Thefront plate1013 may have one or moreterminal surface1043 which may be sized and/or configured to be a forward limit for theproducts3300 which may be pushed forward by thepusher paddle1015.

FIG. 29A shows apeg mount bracket1030 which may be sized and/or configured to connect, attach, secure, fasten and/or mount to a rear of the hanginggusset1011. Thepeg mount bracket1030 may connect, attach, secure, fasten and/or hook onto apeg board400 to hang thepusher system1000 from thepeg board400. In an embodiment, thepeg board400 may be, for example, a vertical pegboard and/or may have one or more holes which may be spaced about one inch from one another. It should be understood that the present disclosure should not be deemed as limited to a specific embodiment of pegboard.

Thepeg mount bracket1030 may have one more peg hooks139 which may be sized and/or configured to be inserted into thepeg board400 to support thepusher system1000. Thepeg mount bracket1030 may have one or morevertical bracket tracks1040 which may be sized and/or configured to be male interfaces between thebar mount bracket1016, thepeg mount bracket1030 and/or the hanginggusset1011.

FIG. 29B shows abar mount bracket1016 having one or morevertical bracket tracks1040 and/or one or more bar hooks1035 for supporting thepusher system1000.

FIG. 30A showspusher system configuration5150 having thepusher system1000 and thepeg mount bracket1030. In thepusher system configuration5150 therear gusset hook1028 may have to be removed from the hanginggusset1011 in order to maintain compatibility with thepeg mount bracket1030 and/or thepeg board400.

FIG. 30B showspusher system configuration5151 having thepusher system1000 and thebar mount1016 which may also be compatible with thecrossbar403.

FIG. 31 shows thepusher system configuration5151 as it may appear in a retail environment. In an embodiment, a number ofpusher systems1000 may be connected, attach, secured, fastened and/or mount to, for example, a number of cross bars403. For example, twopusher systems1000 may be hung on each of threecross bars403 which may, in turn, be inserted into twoupright402. For example, one ormore pusher systems1000 may be installed in series along one or more crossbars of varying lengths which may create a shelf-like presentation for the first andsecond products300,301 or theproducts3300. Vertical distance(s) between each row ofpusher systems1000 may be changed and/or adjusted to suit the first andsecond products300,301 or theproducts3300 which may have varying heights and/or sizes by adjusting vertical positioning of the cross bars403 along theuprights402. In an embodiment, thepusher system configuration5151 and/or thepusher systems1000 may be utilized in, for example, a common retail environment, such as, for example, aisles, refrigerators and/or the like.

FIG. 32 shows thepusher system configuration5150 as it may appear in a retail environment. In an embodiment, thepusher system configuration5150 may have one ormore pusher systems1000 which may be connected, attached, secured, fastened and/or mounted to thepeg board400. For example, thepusher system configuration5150 may have sixpusher systems1000 which may be hung on a section of thepeg board400.FIG. 32 illustrates that one ormore pusher system1000 may be installed in a myriad of planar arrangements on thepeg board400. Vertical and horizontal distances between thepusher systems1000 may be changed and/or adjusted by moving and/or altering an arrangement of thepeg board brackets30 of thepusher systems1000 on thepeg board400.

The various views ofFIG. 33 shows a variety of thepusher systems1000 having a variety of different lengths. In order to accomplish the variations in length, the pusher tracks1010 and the hanginggussets1011 of thepusher systems1000 may be injection moulded within a modular mould. By adding central inserts to the mould, parts with different lengths may be created, produced and/or formed while maintaining front and rear mould components.FIG. 33 shows four sizes available for thepusher systems1000 along with a number of inserts which may be needed to create the different lengths. More particularly,FIG. 33 comprises: FIG.33A1 and FIG.33A2 which illustrate elevated and side perspective views of a first embodiment of a pusher track and hanging gusset, FIG.33B1 and FIG.33B2 which illustrate elevated and side perspective views of a second embodiment of a pusher track and hanging gusset; FIG.33C1 and FIG.33C2 which illustrate elevated and side perspective views of a third embodiment of a pusher track and hanging gusset, and FIG.33D1 and FIG.33D2 which illustrate elevated and side perspective views of a third embodiment of a pusher track and hanging gusset

In embodiments, thepusher systems1000 may be comprised of individual, self-contained product holders which may eliminate a need for a traditional store shelf and may increase merchandising flexibility. Thepusher systems1000 may have an ability to be mounted to a traditional store shelf but may excel when mounted topegboard400 or across bar403. Thepusher track1010 on which the products302 may sit and/or may be positioned may have an ability to pull forward and out from underneath the shelf or fixture above. This improves an ease and speed of loading as a majority of thepusher track1010 may be exposed and free from obstruction. Less vertical space may be required between product rows which may result in additional product holding power within the aisle section. Furthermore, when thepusher track1010 may be pulled forward for loading, thepusher paddle1015 may remain retracted, and may allow for quick two-handed loading of the products302 into thepusher systems1000. Unlike any other known pull-out system, a majority of components of thepusher systems1000 including attachment brackets and structural members may be made from moulded plastic. Metal components such as thewire dividers1014 and/or the pusher spring may be made from corrosion resistant metals for use in cold or damp locations such as coolers, fridges and freezers, drastically reducing the risk of metal corrosion within a food environment. This also may ensure that moving mechanical components may retain consistent and proper function.

As shown inFIGS. 34-50, one or more retail products3301 (hereinafter “retail products3301”) and/or one or more retail products3302 (hereinafter “retail products3302”) may be housed, stored, secured and/or displayed or dispensed from at least one of a quick-load pusher system5152 (hereinafter “pusher system5152”), a quick-load pusher system5153 (hereinafter “pusher system5153”), a quick-load pusher system5154 (hereinafter “pusher system5154”), a quick-load pusher system5154 (hereinafter “pusher system5154”), a quick-load pusher system5155 (hereinafter “pusher system5155”) and/or a quick-load pusher system5156 (hereinafter “pusher system5156”), collectively known hereinafter as “pusher systems5152,5153,5154,5155,5156”. Theretail products3301 may be, for example, packaged products, such as, meats and/or cheese which may typically be merchandised using hanging hooks, and theretail products3302 may be, for example, ridged packaged products, such as, frozen food packages, boxes, microwave meals which may be merchandised using a pusher system. In embodiments, theretail products3301 and/or the retail products3302 (collectively know hereinafter as “retail products3301,3302”) may be similar to or the same as the first andsecond products300,301 and/or theretail products3300.

Thepusher systems5152,5153,5154,5155,5156 may be connected, attached, mounted, fastened, joined and/or secured to aretail gondola section405 havingaisle uprights402, aretail gondola shelf406, a backstructural lip407 of theretail gondola shelf406 or aback wall408 of thegondola section405 or a refrigerator (not shown in the drawings. In embodiments, theretail gondola section405 may be a typical retail gondola section having a width of more than about two feet, such as, for example, about four feet, and theshelf406 may be a typical retail gondola shelf having a depth of less than about twenty-four inches, such as, for example, about eighteen inches.

The pusher systems5152,5153,5154,5155,5156 may comprise one or more of the following structural features and/or components, which may be connected, attached, fastened, secured, joined and/or mounted to each other and/or combinations thereof: a data Track Extrusion1051; a first moulded air divider assembly1052; a second moulded air divider assembly1053; moulded air holes1054; moulded divider rails1055; a moulded divider body1056; guide holes1057; snap mounts1058; a wide pusher paddle1059; a hanging baffle bar assembly1060; hanging baffle bar mounting brackets1061; a forward leveling bar1062; a baffle sheet1063; a hook grip clip1064; a Safety flange1065; a horizontal lip shelf extrusion1066; a vertical lip shelf extrusion1067; a lock slot1068; forward tube mounts1069; in interchangeable curved front plate1070; graphic tabs1071; a modular baffle1072; Baffle mounting hardware1073; a shelf grip mount1074; a shelf anchor clip1075; loading lock tabs1076; pusher track retaining clips1077; loading lock ramps1078; a moulded snap clip1079; a base retainer plate1080; base slide rails1081; base track gripper legs1082; a base track1083; an adjustment Pin1084; a T-Snap track1085; a depth adjustment plate1086; depth holes1087,1088; a horizontal flange1090; a vertical flange1091; a friction O-ring1092; a loading gap1093. One or more of the above-identified structural features and/or components may be connected, attached, secured, joined and/or mounted to each other or combinations thereof to assembly, produce and/or provide one or more of thepusher systems5152,5153,5154,5155,5156 as shown in and illustrated byFIGS. 34-50.

Thedata track extrusion1051 may be connected, attached, fixed, joined and/or secured to thefront plate1013 via an adhesive or to thepusher track1010 via1023snap clip1023 and/or theextrusion snap track1032. The first mouldedair divider assembly1052 may extend upwardly in the vertical or substantially vertical direction to provide an adjustable horizontal barrier for retail product and/or may be connected, attached, joined, fastened and/or secured to thepusher track1010 at thefront tube mount1069 and/or therear tube mount1017. The second mouldedair divider assembly1053 may extended in the vertical or substantially vertical direction to provide an adjustable horizontal barrier for retail product and/or may be connected, attached, joined, fastened and/or secured to thepusher track1010 at thefront tube mount1069 and/or therear tube mount1017.

The mouldeddivider body1056 may be, for example, an L-shaped divider and/or may provide support for larger bagged products which may improve functionality of the systems. The mouldeddivider body1056 may have a solid plastic construction with theair holes1054 which may help control, manage and/or maintain temperatures surrounding theretail products3302 when the moulded divider body and theretail products3302 are located within a refrigerated environment. The air holes1054 may help control, manage and/or prevent cold air loss by, for example, slowing and/or channeling cold air movement between adjacent products and dividers before its eventual release into the surrounding environment. The air holes1054 may be moulded into and/or formed or positioned within the vertical sides of the mouldeddivider body1056, and theair holes1054 may help control, manage and/or prevent cold air loss by slowing and channeling cold air movement between adjacent products and dividers before the cold air may be eventual released into the surrounding environment.

The mouldeddivider rails1055 may be connected, attached and/or affixed to the mouldeddivider body1056 through the guide holes1057 and the snap mounts1058. In an embodiment, the moulded divider rails may comprise at least one metal wire and may connect, attach, fasten or affix to thepusher track1010 at thefront tube mount1069 and/or therear tube mount1017. The guide holes1057 may be moulded into and/or formed or position on thedivider body1056 to position or affix the mouldeddivider rails1055 for alignment with connection points on thepusher plate1010. The snap mounts1058 may fasten, lock or secure the mouldeddivider rails1055 to an underside of the mouldeddivider body1056 when connected, attached and/or mounted in the guide holes1057. The friction O-ring1092 may be formed, provided and/or located on the moulded divider rails1055. In an embodiment, theparallel wire divider1014 and/or the friction O-ring1092 may be provided, positioned and/or located within the underside ofpusher plate1010 in the front and rear tube mounts1069,1017 which may increase friction and/or may slow horizontal movement of the connected or attached mouldeddivider bodies1056.

Thewide pusher paddle1059 is a variation ofpusher paddle1015 for use with wide or heady products, such as, for example, theretail product3301 to vertically or substantially vertically support the wide or heady products and/or to provide or exert forward pressure against theretail products3301,3302. The hangingbaffle bar assembly1060 may replacesmodular baffle1072 in a refrigerated environment when a row of thepusher systems5152,5153,5154,5155,5156 may be used. The1061 hanging bafflebar mounting brackets1061 may connect, attach, affix and/or mount the hanging baffle bar160 to thecrossbar403. Theforward leveling bar1062 may be utilized with thedivider system5 such that thedivider system5 may vertically settle when weight of the retail products, such as, the first andsecond products300,301 may be applied thereon. In embodiments, different retail products of varying weight (i.e., the first andsecond products300,301) may be merchandised adjacent to one another in more than onedivider systems5. Theforward leveling bar1062 may control, reduce, restrict and/or limit an amount of vertical settle of thedivider systems5. As a result, horizontal visual consistency of thedivider systems5 may be maintained and/or achieved via theforward leveling bar1062.

In embodiments, thebaffle sheet1063 may be made from, for example, high grade durable plastic. In a refrigerated environment, themodular baffle1072 may harness and/or may capture cool air from the rear of the fridge and/or move, direct and/or channel the cool air forward towards the front of thepusher systems5152,5153,5154,5155,5156. As a result, a desired temperature of the forward most retail product or the retail product located at the front of the pusher system may be maintained or achieved via themodular baffle1072.

Thehook grip clip1064 on horizontalshelf lip extrusion1066 may connect, attach, join, fasten and/or interlock with thehorizontal flange1090. Thesafety flange1065 may be connected to a back side of thecrossbar403 which may be configured or designed to fully, or at least partially, encapsulate thebar hook1035 on thebar mount bracket1016. As a result, thesafety flange1065 may preventing undesired separation from thecrossbar403 when excess force(s) and/or weight(s) may be applied to thepusher systems5152,5153,5154,5155,5156. The horizontallip shelf extrusion1066 may connect, attach, join, fasten and/or secure a firstshelf bracket assembly5200 or secondshelf bracket assembly5210 to the backstructural lip407 via thedepth adjustment plate1086. The verticallip shelf extrusion1067 may connect, attach, join, fasten and/or secure one of the first and/or secondshelf bracket assemblies5200,5210 to the backstructural lip407 via thedepth adjustment plate1089. The firstshelf bracket assembly5200 may have thehorizontal lip mount1086 along with the horizontallip shelf extrusion1066. The secondshelf bracket assembly5210 may have thevertical lip mount1089 along with the verticallip shelf extrusion1067

Thelock slot1068 may lock, fasten and/or secure thelocking pusher track1010 in a rear or closed position with the hanginggusset1011 via the pusher track retaining clips1077. The forward tube mounts1069 may guide or led thewire divider1014 along the telescoping path of the wire divider. The interchangeable curvedfront plate1070 may provide a transparent customer facing front barrier for the retail products, such as, theretail product3300 and/or may restrict, prevent and/or limit any forward movement of, for example, theretail product3300. The interchangeable curvedfront plate1070 may connect, attach, join and/or fasten to thepusher track1010 via thefemale dovetail slots1041 to thefront dovetail tabs1020 onpusher track1010. As a result, the interchangeable curvedfront plate1070 may provide increased and/or improved spacing for merchandising bagged or irregular shaped products such as salad or the like.

Thegraphic tabs1071 on the interchangeable curvedfront plate1070 may affix or hold at least one horizontal graphic and/or price ticked flush againstterminal surface1043. Themodular baffle1072 may connect, attach, join, fasten and/or secure to the baffle mounts1031 on the underside of hanginggusset1011 via thebaffle mounting hardware1073 which may be advantageous for configurations where only a part or portion of thecrossbar403 may be occupied by thepusher system5152 and may not require use of thebaffle bar1060. In a refrigerated environment, the modular baffle may harass, divert or capture cool air from the rear of the fridge and/or may channel, move and/or distribute the cool air forward towards the front of thepusher system5152 which may maintain and/or achieve the desired temperature of the forward most retail products within thepusher system5152. Thebaffle mounting hardware1073 may connect, attach, join, fasten and/or secure themodular baffle1072 to hanging gusset through the baffle mounts1031

Theshelf grip mount1074 may have a verticallip shelf extrusion1067. In an embodiment, theshelf grip mount1074 or the verticallip shelf extrusion1067 may be a single long track that may extend the entire with of the retail shelf on which thepusher systems5152,5153,5154,5155,5156 may be mounted. Theshelf anchor clip1075 may have a horizontallip shelf extrusion1067 which may be sized and/or configured such that it may compress to pass between theshelf406 and a back wall of thegondola408 and/or may expands underneath the backstructural lip407 locking theshelf bracket assemblies5200,5210 vertically in place while still allowing for horizontal adjustability. In an embodiment, the horizontallip self extrusion1067 may be a plurality of smaller individual section of track. Theloading lock tabs1076 may connect, attach, join, fasten and/or secure to theloading lock ramps1078 on thepusher track1010 to hold thepusher track1010 in the opened or extended position for facilitating easy product loading, unloading and/or rotating. Theloading gap1093 provides space or area for loading the retail product between thepusher front1013 and thepusher paddle1059 or thepusher paddle1015 and/or may be created or formed when thepusher plate1010 is pulled outwardly on thegusset1011 for loading the retail products, such as, theretail products3301 and/or the first andsecond products300,301.

The pushertrack retaining clips1077 may lock, fasten and/or secure thepusher track1010 in the closed position against therear gusset wall1034 via thelock slot1068. Theloading lock ramps1078 on thepusher track1010 may connect, join, fasten and/or mate with theloading lock tabs1076 on the hanginggusset1011 to hold, maintain and/or secure thepusher track1010 in a fixed position, such as, for example, the opened or extended position for ease of product loading. The mouldedsnap clip1079 may connect, attach, join, fasten and/or affixes to a T-snap track tape1085 which may allow and/or facilitate horizontal adjustment of theshelf bracket assemblies5200,5210. In an embodiment, the T-snap track tape1085 may be a magnetic tape for connecting, attaching, joining and/or affixing to the mouldedsnap clip1079.

As shown inFIGS. 45, 46A and 46B, thebase retainer plate1080 may connect, attach, join, fasten and/or mount to an inside or a top side of thebase rack1083 and/or may comprise thefront retainer teeth1024 and the gusset ramps1029 which may be used in or may facilitate connecting, attaching, joining, fastening and/or securing thepusher plate1010 and/or positioning of thepusher paddle1059 or thepusher paddle1015. Thebase slide rails1081 may retain thepusher track1010 within the inside or top side of thebase rack1083. The basetrack gripper legs1082 may provide friction, spacing and/or support between theshelf bracket assemblies5200,5210 and theretail shelf406. Thebase track1083 may be shaped, sized and/or configured to provide a main mounting platform for theshelf bracket assemblies5200,5210 and/or a sliding connection point for thepusher track1010. Theadjustment pin1084 may be connected, attached, joined and/or mounted to thebase track1083 and/or may allow for adjustment of thedepth adjustment plates1086,1089 via thedepth adjustment holes1087,1088. The T-snap track1085 may connect, attach, join, fasten and/or mount at least one of theshelf bracket assemblies5200,5210 to theretail shelf406 via the mouldedsnap clip1079

Thedepth adjustment plate1086 may comprise thefirst depth hole1087, thesecond depth hole1088 and/or the horizontal lip orflange1090 which may provide and/or facilitate shelf adjustment for theshelf bracket assembly5200. As a result, the depth of theshelf bracket assembly5200 may be adjustable to correspond to the depth of any retail shelf, such as, for example, theretail shelf406. Thehorizontal flange1090 may connect or attach to or may join, mate and/or interlock with thehook grip clip1064 on the horizontalshelf lip extrusion1066. Thefirst depth hole1087 may be formed in and/or provided on thedepth adjustment plates1086,1089, and the second depth hole may be formed in and/or provided on thedepth adjustment plates1086,1089. The first and second depths associated with the first and second depth holes1087,1088, respectively, may be, for example, less than about twenty-four inches, greater than about ten inches, about sixteen inches or about eighteen inches. For example, when theadjustable pin1084 may be move to or positioned or located within thefirst depth hole1087, theshelf bracket assembly5200 may have a depth that may be less than when theadjustable pin1084 may be moved to or positioned or located within thesecond depth hole1088. In an embodiment, thefirst depth hole1087 may correspond to a depth, for theshelf bracket assembly5200, of about eighteen inches, and thesecond depth hole1088 may correspond to a depth, for theshelf bracket assembly5200, of about sixteen inches.

Thedepth adjustment plate1089 may comprise thefirst depth hole1087, thesecond depth hole1088 and/or the vertical lip orflange1091 which may provide and/or facilitate shelf adjustment for theshelf bracket assembly5210. As a result, the depth of theshelf bracket assembly5210 may be adjustable to the first depth corresponding to thefirst depth hole1087 or to the second depth corresponding to thesecond depth hole1088. Thevertical flange1091 may connect or attach to or may join, mate and/or interlock with thehook grip clip1064 on the verticalshelf lip extrusion1067.

FIGS. 34A and 34B show perspective views of thepusher systems5152,5153 which may comprise the hanginggusset1011 as the method or means for mounting thepusher systems5152,5153.FIG. 34A shows thepusher system5152 which may also comprise theparallel wire dividers1014, theinterchangeable front plate1013 and/or thewide pusher paddle1059 connected through thepusher plate1010.FIG. 34B shows thepusher system5153 which may also comprise the first and secondmoulded dividers1052,1053, theinterchangeable front plate1013 and/or thewide pusher paddle1059 connected the throughpusher plate1010.

FIGS. 38A-38C a plurality of interchangeable product and/or graphic retaining components which may be mountable to a forward section of thepusher tract1010 via, for example, thefront dovetail tabs1020, thepusher track rail1022 and/or thesnap clip1023.FIG. 38A shows a perspective view of thedata track extrusion1012, without the extruded tube mounts1036, which may be mountable to a forward section of thepusher tract1010 via thefront dovetail tabs1020, thepusher track rail1022 and/or thesnap clip1023.FIG. 38B shows a perspective view of interchangeablefront plate1013 which may be mountable to a forward section of thepusher tract1010 via thefront dovetail tabs1020, thepusher track rail1022 and/or thesnap clip1023.FIG. 38C shows a perspective view of the interchangeable curvedfront plate1070 which may be mountable to a forward section of thepusher tract1010 via thefront dovetail tabs1020, thepusher track rail1022 and/or thesnap clip1023

FIG. 40 shows a perspective view of thepusher system5152 which may be mounted to thecrossbar403. Thepusher system5152 may be opened or extended and locked for loading as shown inFIG. 41C with theretail products3302 which may be loaded into theloading gap1093 on thepusher plate1010 between theparallel wire dividers1014

FIGS. 41A, 41B, 41C and 41D show cross-sectional views of thepusher system5152 and depicts steps and mechanical interactions between structural components of thepusher system5152 while thepusher system5152 may be loaded withretail products3301.FIGS. 41A-D shows thepusher system5152 mounted togondola section405 via thecrossbar403 mounted to theuprights402. The hanginggusset1063 is mounted to thecrossbar403 via thebar mount bracket1016 and is secured to thecrossbar403 by thesafety flange1065. The hangingbaffle bar assembly1060 may also be mounted to thecrossbar403.

FIG. 41A shows thepusher system5152 located in the closed position with thepusher plate1010 held in place or in a fixed position by the pushertrack retaining clips1077 which may be connected, attached, joined, fastened and/or secured through thelock slot1068. Thepusher paddle1059 is in a forward most position against thefront retainer teeth1024.FIG. 41B shows a first step in activating or utilizing thepusher system5152 for loading theretail products3301. Thepusher plate1010 may be pulled or moved forward on the hanginggusset1011 which may release the pusher track retaining clips1077. Thepusher paddle1059 is held or maintained in fixed or stationary position with respect to the hanginggusset1011 which forms or creates theloading gap1093. In the fixed or stationary position, theloading lock ramps1078 begins to make contact and/or maintain contact with lockingtabs1076.

InFIG. 41C, thepusher plate1010 may be pulled out to a further most extended position associated with thepusher plate1010. Theloading lock ramps1078 may ride or move up and over the lockingtabs1076 until thepusher track stopper1033 may contact or abut thelocking tabs1076. Thepusher plate1010 may now be locked in place or a fixed position for loading theretail products3301 which may resist or counter rearward pressure or forces being applied from or exerted by the spring (not shown). The formed or createdloading gap1093 may no be loaded with theretail product3301.FIG. 41D shows apusher paddle1010 pushed inwardly or back towards the rear of hanginggusset1011 which may unlock or release the lock between the lockingtabs1076 and thelocking ramps1078. Thepusher paddle1059 may hold against the rearmostretail product3301 as the forward mostretail product3301 may make contact with or may abut thefront plate1043. Thepusher plate1010 may slide rearwardly or back into the closed position which may make locking contact between the retainingclips1077 and thelocking tab1078. Thepusher system5152 is now loaded and ready for dividing, pushing and/or dispensing one or more of theretail products3301.

FIG. 42 shows a plurality ofpusher systems5152,5153 mounted to aisle orfridge gondola uprights402 via more than one of thecrossbars403. Also attached to thecrossbar403 is the hangingbaffle bar assembly1060.FIG. 43 shows thepusher system5152 with themodular baffle1072 which may be mounted to the underside of the hanginggusset1011 via thebaffle mounting hardware1073 through the baffle mounts1031 on the hanginggusset1011.FIG. 43 also shows one of thebaffle mounting hardware1073 is removed illustrating simple installation or removal of themodular baffles1072. In an embodiment, thebaffle mounting hardware1073 may be a fastener, such as, for example, a pin, a screw, a rod or a tack.

FIG. 44 shows a perspective view of a plurality of thepusher systems5152 which may be connected, attached, joined, fastened and/or mounted touprights402 via thecrossbar403 and/or themodular baffles1072 in a retail environment. In an embodiment, the plurality of thepusher systems5152 may be located, placed or positioned in, for example, a refrigerated retail environment. Themodular baffles1072 may be used in the described configuration as the number of the system hanging modules may be less than required to span a full width ofcrossbar403. Themodular baffles1072 may overlap one or more adjacentmodular baffles1072; thus, limiting air loss between adjacentmodular baffles1072.

FIG. 45 shows an exploded perspective view of thepusher system5154 along with theshelf bracket assembly5200.

FIG. 46A shows theshelf bracket assembly5210 along with thevertical lip mount1089. Thevertical lip mount1089 may be positioned, located in or moved to the first depth position via theadjustment pin1084 through thesecond depth hole1088 which may be connected, attached, joined and/or held within thebase track1083. Thebase retainer plate1080 may be connected, attached, joined, fastened and/or secured to thebase track1083.FIG. 46B shows theshelf bracket assembly5200 with thehorizontal lip mount1086. Thehorizontal lip mount1086 may be positioned or located in or moved to the second depth position via theadjustment pin1084 throughfirst depth hole1087 which may be connected, attached, joined and/or held within thebase track1083. Thebase retainer plate1080 may be connected, attached, joined, fastened and/or secured to thebase track1083.

FIG. 47 shows a perspective view of thepusher system5154 along with theretail shelf406. Thepusher system5154 may be connected, attached or mounted to theretail shelf406 via the horizontallip shelf extrusion1066 and/or may be moved to and/or held or maintained at an upward angle as theshelf anchor clip1075 may be forced down betweenback structure lip407 and back wall ofgondola408. A Shelf bracket assembly with thehorizontal lip mount5200 may be already mounted to theretail shelf406 with the mouldedsnap clip1079 attached to the t-snap track1085 and/or the basetrack gripper legs1082 resting against theretail shelf406. The depth adjustment plate withhorizontal lip1090 may be connected, attached and/or joined to the horizontallip shelf extrusion1066 and/or theshelf anchor clip1075 may expanded below theback structure lip407.

FIG. 48 shows a perspective view of thepusher system5155 being mounted to theretail shelf406 via the verticallip shelf extrusion1064. Thepusher system5155 may be moved to and/or held or maintained at an upward angle as thevertical flange1091 of thedepth adjustment plate1089 may be forced up into thehook grip clip1064 of the verticalshelf lip extrusion1067 which may be connected, attached and/or mounted to theback structure lip407 via theshelf gripper mount1074. A Shelf bracket assembly with thevertical lip mount5210 may already be mounted to theretail shelf406 with the mouldedsnap clip1079 which may be connected, attached and joined to the t-snap track1085, and/or the basetrack gripper legs1082 may be resting against theretail shelf406.

FIG. 49 shows a cross-sectional view of thepusher system5154 located or positioned in the opened or extended state. Thepusher track1010 may be moved and/or pulled forward within thebase track1083. As a result, thefront retainer teeth1024 may make and/or maintain contact with thepusher paddle1059 and/or may hold thepusher paddle1059. Thepusher track stopper1033 may move forward and/or may collide with or abut thegusset ramp1029 thereby terminating any further extension of thepusher paddle1059. Subsequently, theretail product3300 may be loadable within theloading gap1093 and thepusher track1010 may be pushed or moved rearwardly or back towards theback wall408 of the gondola section.

FIG. 50 shows a firstlower shelf406 having thepusher systems5154,5156 mounted thereon. A second upperretail shelf406 may display a plurality of thepusher systems5154. Thepusher systems5154 may be connected, attached and/or joined via the T-snap track1085 and/or may be moved to and/or held or maintained at an upward angle with respect to the second upperretail shelf406 to facilitate cleaning of the second upperretail shelf406. The horizontallip shelf extrusions1066 may be flexible, bendable and/or movable to allow upward movement of thepusher systems5154 to facilitate cleaning of the second upperretail shelf406. After cleaning of the second upperretail shelf406, thepusher systems5154 may be lowered or moved back down onto the second upperretail shelf406 where the T-snap track1085 may engage and/or rest on the second upperretail shelf406.

FIGS. 51A, 52, 53A, 53B, 54A, 54B, 55 and 56A show a first adjustable depth merchandising crossbar2100 (hereinafter “firstadjustable crossbar2100”) which may be located in a closed or substantially closed position. Further,FIGS. 53E, 53F and 56B show a second adjustable depth merchandising crossbar2101 (hereinafter “secondadjustable crossbar2101”) which may be located in a first partially extended position between the closed position and an open position. Still further,FIG. 56C shows a third adjustable depth merchandising crossbar2102 (hereinafter “thirdadjustable crossbar2102”) which may be located in a second partially extended position between the closed position and the open position. Moreover,FIGS. 51B, 53C, 53D and 56A-56C shows an adjustable depth merchandising crossbar2103 (hereinafter “adjustable crossbar2103”) which may be located in an opened or extended position, which may be partially or fully opened or extended.

The firstadjustable crossbar2100, the secondadjustable crossbar2101, the thirdadjustable crossbar2102 and/or the fourth adjustable crossbar2103 (hereinafter “adjustable crossbars2100,2101,2102,2103”) may have same or similar features and/or components as theupright cross bar39 and/or theadjustable crossbar154. Further, features and/or components of theadjustable crossbars2100,2101,2102,2103 may operate and/or function in same or similar manners as features and components of theupright cross bar39 and/or theadjustable crossbar154.

When the firstadjustable crossbar2100 is located in the closed position, a depth of the firstadjustable crossbar2100 may be between about ten inches and about twenty-four inches, such as, for example, about twelve inches. In embodiments, the firstadjustable crossbar2100 may have a first depth configuration and/or may be configured to be connected, attached, joined, fastened and/or secured to a hanging product divider and/or pusher system2500 (hereinafter “divider system2500”). In embodiments, the secondadjustable crossbar2101 may have a second depth configuration and/or may be configured to be connected, attached, joined, fastened and/or secured to thedivider system2500. In embodiments, the thirdadjustable crossbar2102 may have a third depth configuration and may be configured to be connected, attached, joined, fastened and/or secured to thedivider system2500. In embodiments, the fourthadjustable crossbar2103 may have a fourth depth configuration and may be configured to be connected, attached, joined, fastened and/or secured to thedivider system2500.

Thedivider system2500 may have same or similar features and/or components as thedivider system5. Further, features and/or components of thedivider system2500 may operate and/or function in same or similar manners as features and components of thedivider system5.

The first, second, third and fourth depth configuration of theadjustable crossbars2100,2101,2102,2103, respectively, may be from about ten inches to about twenty-four inches. For example, the first depth configuration may be twelve inches, the second depth configuration may be fourteen inches, and/or the third depth configuration may be sixteen inches. Moreover, the fourth depth configuration of the fourthadjustable crossbar2103 may be fully opened and/or extended away from the closed position which may facilitate loading and/or unloading of thedivider system2500 with retail products, such as, for example, the first andsecond products300,301, otherretail products2501 and/or combinations thereof. In embodiments, the otherretail products2501 may be the same as, similar to or different than the first andsecond products300,301. The present disclosure should not be deemed as limited to specific embodiments of the depth configurations for theadjustable crossbars2100,2101,2102,2103.

FIGS. 55, 56A-56C, 57A and 57B shows a fifth adjustable depth merchandising crossbars2200 (hereinafter “fifth adjustable crossbar2200), a sixth adjustable depth merchandising crossbar2202 (hereinafter “sixthadjustable crossbar2202”) and a seventh adjustable depth merchandising crossbar2203 (hereinafter “seventhadjustable crossbar2203”) may be configured to be connected, attached, joined, fastened and/or secured to thedivider system2500 or other hanging rail retail merchandising system and/or may have one of the first, second, third or fourth depth configurations. Theadjustable crossbars2100,2101,2102,2103,2200,2202,2203 may connected, attached, joined, fastened, mounted and/or secured to aisle uprights2399 of aretail gondola section2600 to secure, display and/or dispense retail products, such as, for example, the first andsecond products300,301, the otherretail products2501 or combinations thereof. In embodiments, the retail gondola section may be, for example, a four foot retail gondola section having theuprights2399 found in retail environments and used for mounting merchandising fixtures and retail shelving.

In embodiments, one or more of theadjustable crossbars2100,2101,2102,2103,2200,2202,2203 may be connected, attached, joined, fastened, mounted and/or secured to retail shelving ofretail gondola section2600, such as, for example, a firstretail shelf2400, a secondretail shelf2401 or a thirdretail shelf2402. Theretail shelves2400,2401,2402 may have depths between about 10 inches and about twenty-four inches. For example, the firstretail shelf2400 may have a depth of about twelve inches, the secondretail shelf2401 may have a depth of about fourteen inches, and/or the third retail shelf may have a depth of about sixteen inches. The present disclosure should not be deemed as limited to a specific embodiment of the depths of theretail shelves2400,2401,2402.

The adjustable crossbars2100,2101,2102,2103,2200,2202,2203 may comprise one or more of the following structural features and/or components, which may be connected, attached, fastened, secured, joined and/or mounted to each other and/or combinations thereof: a first outer mounting assembly2011; a second outer mounting assembly2012; a first inner sliding assembly2013; a second inner sliding assembly2014; an upper mounting plate2015; a lower mounting plate2016; an attachment bar2017; a positioning tab2018; width adjustment hardware2019; a first depth guide2020; a second depth guide2021; a third depth guide2022; a forward support width adjustment bar2023; an upper width adjustment bar2024; a front support bar2025; a depth adjustment handle2026; a mounting width adjustment bar2027; a mounting stationary support bar2028; upright mounting hooks2029; a support rod2030; a depth adjustment screw2031; outer fixed mounting gables2032; inner sliding gables2033; a width adjustment slot2034; a hanging mount bracket2035; a depth adjustment spring pin2036; a loading depth guide2037; a standard attachment bar2038; a side mounted extension slide assemblies2300 (hereinafter “first sliding assemblies2300”); and/or a flat mounted extension slide assembly2301 (hereinafter “second sliding assembly2301”). One or more of the above-identified structural features and/or components may be connected, attached, secured, joined and/or mounted to each other or combinations thereof to assembly, produce and/or provide one or more of theadjustable crossbars2100,2101,2102,2103,2200,2202,2203 as shown in and illustrated byFIGS. 51A, 51B and 52.

Further, theadjustable crossbar2100 may have a mainfixed assembly2080 which may comprise the first inner slidingassembly2013, the second outer mountingassembly2012, the first slidingassembly2300 and/or the second sliding assembly2301 (hereinafter “slidingassemblies2300,2301”). Still further, the adjustable sliding assembly awidth adjustment assembly2081 which may comprise the second inner slidingassembly2014, the first outer mountingassembly2011 and/or thefirst slide assembly2300

Theupper mounting plate2015 may be connected, attached, joined and/or fastened to the second slidingassembly2301 and/or a component of the firstinner assembly2013, and thelower mounting plate2016 may be connected, attached, joined and/or fastened to the second slidingassembly2301 and/or a component of the second innerright assembly2012. Theattachment bar2017 may provide a mounting support structure for the hangingmount bracket2035 for attachment of thedivider system2500 and/or may facilitate, provide and/or enable mounting various other display and merchandising components (not shown in the drawings). Thepositioning tab2018 may be located on outer fixed mountinggable2032 in the first andsecond mounting assemblies2011,2012 and/or may engage thedepth adjustment screw2031 to set a position of the first and second inner slidingassemblies2013,2014. Thewidth adjustment hardware2019 may be used to set, lock and/or align the width between upright mountinghooks2029 to fit into or to conform to different sized gondola uprights (not shown in the drawings).

Thefirst depth guide2020 is a component of the inner slidinggable2033 and may be used to set and/or lock a unit depth at a first minimum value through use of thedepth adjustment screw2031. The first minimum value of the unit depth may be less than about twenty-four inches, such, for example, about sixteen inches, about fourteen inches or about twelve inches. Thesecond depth guide2021 is a component of inner slidinggable2033 and may be used to set and/or lock the unit depth at a second minimum valve through use ofdepth adjustment screw2031. The second minimum value of the unit depth may be less than about twenty-four inches, such, for example, about sixteen inches or about fourteen inches. Thethird depth guide2022 is a component of the inner slidinggable2033 may be used to set and/or lock the unit depth at a third minimum through use of thedepth adjustment screw2031. The third minimum value of the unit depth may be less than about twenty-four inches, such, for example, about sixteen inches. In embodiments, thedepth adjustment screw2031 may be positioned, inserted, pushed and/or provided in thefirst depth guide2020, thesecond depth guide2021 or thethird depth guide2022 to lock the depth of thecrossbar2100 at the first, second or third minimum value. As a result, thecrossbar2100 may be set or locked at the first, second or third minimum value via thedepth adjustment screw2031.

The forward supportwidth adjustment bar2023 provided on the second inner slidingassembly2014 may slide into thefront support bar2025 which may be provided on the first inner slidingassembly2013. The upperwidth adjustment bar2024 provided on the second innerleft sliding assembly2014 may slide into theattachment bar2017. Thefront support bar2025 may have multiple functionality and may provide (i) structural stability (i.e., reduces torsion), (ii) a mounting surface for thehandle2026, and (iii) a level surface for thedivider system5 or thedivider system2500 to rest if under substantial load from first andsecond products300,301 orretail products2501. Thedepth adjustment handle2026 may facilitate and/or may be used to adjust a depth of first and second inner slidingassemblies2013,2014. Thedepth adjustment handle2026 may be located, positioned and/or positioned on the first inner slidingassembly2013. In an embodiment, thedepth adjustment handle2026 may be located at a center position between the first and second inner slidingassemblies2013,2014 for convenience and accessibility by a user.

The mountingwidth adjustment bar2027 provided on the first outer mountingassembly2011 may slide into the mountingstationary support bar2028 which may be provided on the second outerright mounting assembly2012. The mountingstationary support bar2028 may connect, attach, join, fasten and/or secure the first and second outer mountingassemblies2011,2012 together and/or may facilitate width adjustment for mounting and/or a structural connection point for thelower mounting plate2016 and the second slidingassembly2301. The upright mounting hooks2029 may facilitate mounting and/or may be used to mount theadjustable crossbars2100,2101,2102,2103,2200,2202,2203 into theuprights2399 of theretail gondola section2600 as shown inFIG. 55.

Thesupport rod2030 may provide structural support between thefront support bar2025 and theattachment bar2017. Thedepth adjustment screw2031 is used to set and/or lock the depth of the first and second inner slidingassemblies2013,2014 by way of the first, second and/or third depth guides2020,2021,2022 on theadjustable crossbars2100,2101,2102,2103. The outer fixed mountinggables2032 mounts theadjustable crossbar2100,2101,2102,2103,2200,2202,2203 to theuprights2399 and provides a mounting platform for the first slidingassemblies2300. The inner slidinggables2033 provides the mounting structure for the first and second slidingassemblies2013,2014 and facilitates attachment the first and second slidingassemblies2013,2014 to theslide assemblies2300. As a result, the first slidingassembly2013 may be connected, attached, mounted, joined and/or secured to a first slidingassembly2300 via first inner slidinggables2033, and the second slidingassembly2014 may be connected, attached, mounted, joined and/or secured to a second slidingassembly2300 via second inner slidinggables2033. In other words, there are a set of the inner slidinggables2033 provided on the right side and the left side to facilitate attachment of each of the first and second slidingassemblies2013,2014 to their own first slidingassembly2300. Thewidth adjustment slot2034 is configured to be used to adjust and/or lock the width between the upright mounting hooks2029 to fit a multitude of different retail environments (not shown in the drawings). Thewidth adjustment slot2034 may adjusts spacing between thewidth adjustment assembly2081 and the main fixedassembly2080 by using of thewidth adjustment hardware2019. In an embodiment, thewidth adjustment hardware2019 may be a pin, a bolt, a screw or a rod. The present disclosure should not be deemed as limited to a specific embodiment of thewidth adjustment hardware2019.

The hangingmount bracket2035 may facilitate and/or may be used for attachingdivider system5 or thedivider system2500 to theattachment bar2017. The depthadjustment spring pin2036 may be utilized in theadjustable crossbars2200,2201,2203 as an alternative to thedepth adjustment screw2031 utilized in theadjustable crossbars2100,2101,2102,2103. As a result, the depthadjustment spring pin36 may be used to set and/or lock the depth of the first and second inner slidingassemblies2013,2014 by way of the first, second and/or third depth guides2020,2021,2022. Theloading depth guide2037 may engage the depthadjustment spring pin2036 to lock the first and second inner slidingassembly2014 in the opened or extended positions to facilitate the loading of the first andsecond products300,301 or theretail products2501. Thestandard attachment bar2038 may provides a mounting support structure for the attachment of various other display and merchandising components such as hooks or pushers (not shown in the drawings).

As shown inFIGS. 51A and 52, the first outer mountingassembly2011, the second outer mountingassembly2012, the first inner slidingassembly2013, a second inner slidingassembly2014, anattachment bar2017, adepth adjustment handle2026, the main fixedassembly2080, the width adjustment assembly281, the first slidingassemblies2300 and the second slidingassembly2301 are connected, attached, joined, fastened and/or secured to each other to assembly, produce or provide theadjustable crossbar2100. One or more of theupper mounting plate2015, thelower mounting plate2016, thepositioning tab2018, thewidth adjustment hardware2019, thefirst depth guide2020; thesecond depth guide2021, thethird depth guide2022, the forward supportwidth adjustment bar2023, the upperwidth adjustment bar2024, thefront support bar2025, the mountingwidth adjustment bar2027, the mountingstationary support bar2028, the upright mounting hooks2029, thesupport rod2030, thedepth adjustment screw2031, the outer fixed mountinggables2032, the inner slidinggables2033, the awidth adjustment slot2034, the hangingmount bracket2035, the depthadjustment spring pin2036, theloading depth guide2037 and the astandard attachment bar2038 are utilized for assembling or producing theadjustable crossbar2100.

FIG. 51A shows theadjustable crossbar2100 located in the closed position,FIG. 51B shows theadjustable crossbar2103 in the opened position, which may be a partially or fully opened or extended state to facilitate loading theretail products2501 into thedivider system2500 that may be connected, attached, joined, mounted, fastened and/or secured to theadjustable crossbar2300.FIG. 52 shows an exploded perspective view of theadjustable crossbar2100 to illustrate assembly of theadjustable crossbar2100.

FIGS. 53A-53F illustrate a process and/or a function of adjusting and setting the depth of theadjustable crossbar2100. For example,FIG. 53A shows a side plan view of theadjustable crossbar2100 located in the closed position which may be facilitated by the first slidingassemblies2300. Thedepth adjustment screw2031 may be positioned in thefirst depth guide2020 and/or may be resting against positioning thetab2018 of the outer mountinggable2032. Thedepth adjustment screw2031 may be tightened against theslider assembly2300 securing the innerright sliding assembly2013 in place and/or in a fixed position.FIG. 53B shows theadjustable crossbar2100 located in the closed position and thedepth adjustment screw2031, positioned in thefirst depth guide2020, may be turned and/or loosened which may result in relieving pressure against the first slidingassemblies2300.

FIG. 553C shows of theadjustable crossbar2103 located in an open or extended position. The first and second inner slidingassemblies2013,2014 may be pulled forward through use of thedepth adjustment handle2026 and/or the first and second slidingassemblies2300,2301 may be opened from their retracted states. InFIG. 53D, theadjustable crossbar2103 may be opened in its fully extended state, and thedepth adjustment screw2031 may be removed fromfirst depth guide2020 and partially inserted intosecond depth guide2021. InFIG. 53E, through push force may be applied todepth adjustment handle2026, the first and second inner slidingassemblies2013,2014 may be moved back towards the outer fixedgables2011,2012. The first andsecond slide assemblies2300,2301 may retract until thedepth adjustment screw2031 insecond depth guide2021 makes contact with thepositioning guide2018 on the first and second outer mountingassemblies2011,2012 which prevent further travel. As a result, the adjustable crossbar is now set to a depth associated with thesecond depth guide2020.FIG. 53F showsdepth adjustment screw2031 located in thesecond depth guide2021, which may be tightened against thefirst slide assemblies2300 for preventing further movement of the first and second inner slidingassemblies2013,2014. Theadjustable crossbar2100 has not been changed to theadjustable crossbar2101 which is set to a different depth than the depth of theadjustable crossbar2100.

FIGS. 54A and 54B illustrate removal of thewidth adjustment assembly2081, attachment of hangingmount bracket2035, and setting and/or locking the width between thewidth adjustment assembly2081 and the main fixedassembly2080.FIG. 4A shows the threewidth adjustment screws2019 which may be removed fromwidth adjustment bars2023,2024,2027 viawidth adjustment slots2034. Thewidth adjustment assembly2081 may slid free from the main fixedassembly2080. The hangingmount bracket2035 may slid onto an end ofthin attachment bar2017 on theadjustable crossbar2100,2101,2102,2103 to adapt the crossbar for mounting of thedivider system5 or thedivider system2500. Theadjustable crossbar2100,2101,2102,2103 with theattachment bar2017 is not limited to use of the hangingmount bracket2035. Extruded mounting tracks may be customized to fit other merchandising systems (not shown in the drawings).FIG. 4B shows the hangingmount bracket2035 slid all the way onto theattachment bar2017. Thewidth adjustment assembly2081 may be positioned to be attached to the main fixedassembly2080. The upperwidth adjustment bar2024 mates with the back of theattachment bar2017, the forward supportwidth adjustment bar2023 mates with thefront support bar2025 and the mountingwidth adjustment bar2027 mates with the mountingstationary support bar2028. Thewidth adjustment hardware2019 may be loosely attached though thewidth adjustment slots2034. Thewidth adjustment assembly2081 may then be positioned to a desired width to fit into theretail gondola2600. Once the desired width is achieved, thewidth adjustment hardware2019 may be tightened or fastened to affix or to lock thewidth adjustment assembly2081 in place or in a fixed position.

FIG. 55 shows theadjustable crossbar2100,2200 may be mounted to theretail gondola section2600 via insertion of the upright mounting hooks2029 into the aisle uprights2399. The width between the main fixedassembly2080 and thewidth adjustment assembly2081 is set to match the width between centres of aisle uprights2399. The width between centres of the aisle uprights2399 may be less than about sixty-four inches, such as, for example, about sixty inches, about fifty-four inches or about forty-eight inches. Mounted to theadjustable crossbar2100, by way of hangingmount bracket2035, may be thedivider system2500. Also shown, attached is aisle uprights2399, is the firstretail shelf2400.

FIGS. 56A, 56B and 56C illustrates features, functionalities and/or versatilities of theadjustable crossbar2100,2101,2102,2103. Specifically,FIGS. 56A-56C illustratesadjustable crossbar2100,2101,2102,2103 a process or method for adapting the adjustable crossbar to match various shelf depths within a retail environment.FIG. 56A shows theretail gondola section2600 with the firstretail shelf2400. For example, the firstretail shelf2600 may be a traditional twelve inch deep retail gondola shelf. Theadjustable crossbar2100 may be set to a depth of twelve inches which may correspond to thefirst depth guide2020. Withdivider system2500 attached to theadjustable crossbar2100, an outer face of thedivider system2500 may be vertically or substantially vertically collinear with the firstretail shelf2400. This ensures easy access toretail products2501 positioned within the divider system2500 (or similar merchandising systems) and other retail product which may be positioned on the firstretail shelf2400 as no one or single merchandising fixture is greatly protruding beyond another. Theadjustable crossbar2103, may be located in a fully extended configuration or position for loading, pulled forward by way of thedepth adjustment handle2026 as shown inFIGS. 51B, 53C and 53D. InFIGS. 56A, 56B and 56C, thedivider system2500 may be mounted to theadjustable crossbars2100,2101,2102 and may be holding theretail products2501 in order to demonstrate ease of access to product (especially the back most product) for purposes of product rotation, ease of restocking and visual product maintenance (facing). Thedivider system2500 andretail products2501 may extended out from underneath the above fixtures, the first, second andthird shelves2400,2401,2402 and/or theadjustable crossbars2100,2101,2102, which may enable fixtures to be mounted with less vertical separation as there is no need to leave extra arm space to reach rearmost products. Minimizing wasted vertical spaces may created or provide opportunities to add additional fixtures such asadditional shelves2400,2401,2402 or additionaladjustable crossbars2100,2101,2102, which may increase product holding power within thegondola section2600.

FIG. 56B shows thegondola section2600 with secondretail shelves2401 which may be, for example, typical14″ deep retail gondola shelves. Theadjustable Crossbar2101 may be set to the second depth guide which may, for example, correspond to a depth of fourteen inches. Withdivider system2500 attached to theadjustable crossbar2101, the outer face of the divider system may be vertically or substantially vertically collinear with thesecond shelves2401, which may ensure easy access to product both mounted in the divider system2500 (or similar merchandising systems) and on thesecond shelves2401 as no one or single fixture is greatly protruding beyond another. Theadjustable crossbar2103 may be located in its fully extended configuration or position for loading and/or may be pulled forward by way of thedepth adjustment handle2026.

FIG. 56C shows theretail gondola section2600 with the third retail shelves which may be, for example, sixteen inch deep retail gondola shelves. Theadjustable crossbar2102 may be set to thethird depth guide2022 which may correspond to a depth of sixteen inches. With thedivider system2500 attached to theadjustable crossbar2102, the outer face of thedivider system2500 may be vertically or substantially vertically collinear with thethird shelves2402. This may ensure easy access to product both mounted in handing divider system2500 (or similar merchandising systems) and on thethird shelves2402 as no one fixture is greatly protruding beyond another. Theadjustable crossbar2103 may be located in its fully extended configuration or position for loading and/or may be pulled forward by way ofdepth adjustment handle2026. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to specific embodiments for the depths of theadjustable crossbars2100,2101,2102.

FIG. 57A shows AdjustableDepth Merchandising Crossbar2200, an embodiment of AdjustableDepth Merchandising Crossbar2100, in its closed or 12″ position.FIG. 57B shows AdjustableDepth Merchandising Crossbar2203 in is open or fully extended state.

FIG. 58 shows an exploded view of thecrossbar2200 which may have one or more variations in view of thecrossbar2100 shown inFIG. 52. There may be one or more structural differences thecrossbars2100,2200. For example, inclusion of a knownattachment bar2038 may replace theattachment bar2017 which may allow for a the mounting of pre-existing or known merchandising components previously mounted to a fixed crossbar style system. Exclusion of thefront support bar2025, thelower mounting plate2015, theupper mounting plate2016, theextension slide2301, thesupport rod30, thedepth adjustment handle2026 and/or the forward supportwidth adjustment bar2023 may allow for mounting of a greater variety of merchandising components and systems beyond those previously identified, such as, for example, mounting of known merchandising components and/or shelves. Replacement of the depthadjustment spring pin2036 over thedepth adjustment hardware2031 may allow for simplified depth adjustment without thedepth adjustment hardware2031 to be removed.

FIG. 59 shows complete separation of thewidth adjustment assembly2081 from the main fixedassembly2080 for both assembly and adjustment of the width between the upright mounting hooks2029 provided on thewidth adjustment assembly2081 and the main fixedassembly2080. Thewidth adjustment assembly2081 may be positioned to be attached to the main fixedassembly2080. The upperwidth adjustment bar2024 may mate and/or join with the backstandard attachment bar2038, and the mountingwidth adjustment bar2027 may mate and/or join with the mountingstationary support bar2028. Thewidth adjustment hardware2019 may loosely connect, attach and/or join though thewidth adjustment slots2034. Thewidth adjustment assembly2081 may then be positioned to a desired width to fit into and/or be positioned and/or located within theretail gondola section2600, and thewidth adjustment hardware2019 may be tightened to lock thewidth adjustment assembly2081 in place or into a fixed position.

FIG. 60A shows a side plan view of theadjustable crossbar2200 located in the closed position via the first slidingassemblies2300 and/or the second slidingassembly2301, and the depthadjustment spring pin2036 may be positioned or located in thefirst depth guide2020 of the inner slidinggable2033. As a result, the first and second securing inner slidingassemblies2013,2014 and the adjustable crossbar220 may be secured in place and/or located or positioned in a fixed position.

FIG. 60B shows a side plan view of theadjustable crossbar2200 located in the closed position via the first slidingassemblies2300 and/or the second slidingassembly2301. The depthadjustment spring pin2036 may be pressed, moved or pushed upwards and out of thefirst depth guide2020. As a result, the first and second inner slidingassemblies2013,2014 may be released or freed from a locked state within or with respect to theouter mounting assemblies2011,2012 via thefirst slider assemblies2300 and/or the second slidingassembly2301.

After the first and second inner sliding assemblies are released from the locked state with respect to the first and second outer mountingassemblies2011,2012, the depthadjustment spring pin2036 may remain pressed, moved or pushed upward as shown inFIG. 60C. As a result, the inner slidingassemblies2013,2014 may be released or separated or may be movable from theouter mounting assemblies2011,2012, and the inner slidingassemblies2013,2014 may be pulled, slide or moved forwardly or away from or outward with respect to the first and second outer mountingassemblies2011,2012. As a result, the first and second inner slidingassemblies2013,2014 move outwardly with respect to the first and second outer mountingassemblies2011,2012 which increases the depth of theadjustable crossbar2200. The depthadjustment spring pin2036 may remain in its released or upward position until thesecond depth guide2021, thethird depth guide2022 or theloading depth guide2037 may move into or may be positioned or located in alignment with the depthadjustment spring pin2036.

When thesecond depth guide2021, thethird depth guide2022 or theloading depth guide2037 are moved into or positioned or located in alignment with the depthadjustment spring pin2036, the depthadjustment spring pin2036 may engage or may move into or may be positioned and/or located within thesecond depth guide2021, thethird depth guide2022 or theloading depth guide2037, respectively. As a result, the width of theadjustable crossbar2200 is changed, adjusted, moved or configured to the width associated with thesecond depth guide2021, thethird depth guide2022 or theloading depth guide2037. For example,FIG. 60D shows the depthadjustment spring pin2036 may be engaged in or may be positioned and/or located within thethird depth guide2022 which may change, adjust, move or configure the depth of theadjustable crossbar2202 to be a depth corresponding to thethird depth guide2022. For loading or unloading retail products, the depthadjustment spring pin2036 may be moved to or aligned with theloading depth guide2037. As a result, the depthadjustment spring pin2036 may engage in or may be positioned and/or located within theloading depth guide2037, and the depth of theadjustable crossbar2202 may be changed, adjusted, moved and/or configured to the depth corresponding to theloading depth guide2037 which is the deepest depth when compared to the depths corresponding to the first, second and/or third depth guides2020,2021,2022.

It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems and/or methods. Also, various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art, and are also intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

Claims (15)

We claim:

1. A quick-load merchandising product pusher system for dispensing retail products, the pusher system comprising:

a fixed portion having a front end, a rear end located opposite with respect to the front end of the fixed portion, a top side and a bottom side located opposite with respect to the top side of the fixed portion, wherein ramps are provided on the top side of the fixed portion, extend outwardly with respect to the top side of the fixed portion, and are located adjacent to the front end of the fixed portion;

a movable track movably connected to the top side of the fixed portion, wherein the movable track has a front end, a rear end located opposite with respect to the front end of the movable track, a top side and a bottom side located opposite with respect to the top side of the movable track, wherein one or more track stoppers are provided on the bottom side of the movable track, extend outward with respect to the bottom side of the movable track and are located adjacent to the rear end of the pusher system;

loading lock tabs connected to the ramps of the fixed portion, wherein the loading lock tabs extend outwardly away from the top side of the fixed portion; and

loading lock ramps provided on the bottom side of the movable track and located between the one or more track stoppers and the front side of the movable track;

a pusher paddle connected to the top side of the movable track, wherein the pusher paddle, the front end of the movable track and the top side of the movable track define a first area that is sized or configured to receive one or more retail products, wherein the pusher paddle is configured to move one or more retail product forward away from the rear side of the movable track; and

front retainer teeth connecting the fixed portion and the movable track, wherein the front retainer teeth are provided on the top side and at the front end of the fixed portion and extend outwardly with respect to the top side of the fixed portion,

wherein the movable track is movable to a closed position or to an extended position, wherein, when the movable track is located in the closed position, the rear end and the one or more track stoppers of the movable track are located adjacent to the rear end of the fixed portion and, when the movable track is located in the extended portion, the rear end and the one or more track stoppers of the movable track are located adjacent to the ramps of the fixed portion and the front retainer teeth abuts a portion of the pusher paddle and restricts forward movement of the pusher paddle as the movable track is moved to the extended position; and wherein the loading locks tabs abut the loading lock ramps when the movable track is positioned in the extended position.

2. The pusher system according toclaim 1, wherein, when the movable track is located in the extended position, the one or more track stoppers of the movable track abut the ramps of the fixed portion and forward movement of the movable track is restricted via the one or more track stoppers of the movable track and the ramps of the fixed portion.

3. The pusher system according toclaim 1, wherein, when the movable track is located in the extended position, the pusher paddle, the front side of the movable track and the top side of the movable track define a second area that is sized or configured to receive one or more retail products, wherein the second area is larger than the first area.

4. The pusher system according toclaim 1, further comprising:

a first mount provided at the rear end of the fixed portion and configured to mount the fixed portion to retail merchandising aisle uprights.

5. The pusher system according toclaim 4, wherein the first mount comprises one or more hooks, one or more pegs, a horizontal flange or a vertical flange.

6. The pusher system according toclaim 1, further comprising:

a front plate connected to the front end of the movable track, wherein, when one or more retail products are positioned within the pusher system, the one or more retail products are located between the front plate and the pusher paddle.

7. The pusher system according toclaim 1, further comprising:

dividers connected to both right and left sides of the movable track, wherein the dividers extend outwardly away from the right and left sides of the movable track and away from the top side of the movable track.

8. The pusher system according toclaim 7, wherein the dividers are wire dividers or molded dividers.

9. The pusher system according toclaim 8, wherein one or more holes are formed through the molded dividers along a length of the molded dividers.

10. The pusher system according toclaim 1, further comprising;

a modular baffle connected to a bottom side of the fixed portion, wherein the modular baffle extends outwardly away from right and left sides of the fixed portion.

11. The pusher system according toclaim 1, further comprising:

a retail product position in the first area defined between the pusher paddle and the front and top sides of the movable track.

12. A retail merchandising gondola section for dispensing retail products, the gondola section comprising:

retail merchandising aisle uprights; and

the pusher system according toclaim 4 mounted to the aisle uprights via the first mount of the pusher system.

13. The gondola section according toclaim 12, further comprising:

a second mount connected to the retail merchandising aisle uprights for connecting the first mount of the pusher system to the retail merchandising aisle uprights, wherein the second mount comprises a retail merchandizing shelf, a retail merchandizing crossbar or a retail merchandising peg board.

14. The gondola section according toclaim 13, further comprising:

a fastener for connecting the first mount of the pusher system to the second mount of the gondola section, wherein the fastener is a horizontal lip shelf extrusion or a vertical lip shelf extrusion.

15. The gondola section according toclaim 14, further comprising:

at least one retail product position within pusher system.

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